Fireproofing Detached Structures: Sheds, ADUs, and Garages

When we talk about defending our homes from wildfire, we often focus on the main house—but detached structures like sheds, garages, and ADUs can be just as critical. These secondary buildings can become ignition sources during a wildfire and may even spread fire to your primary home if they’re not protected.

For California homeowners—especially in high-risk fire zones like Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, and the Oakland Hills—fireproofing these outbuildings should be part of your wildfire defense strategy.

Why Detached Structures Are at Risk

Detached structures often:

• Sit closer to vegetation or property lines

• Are built with less fire-resistant materials

• Lack proper ventilation or ember protection

• Contain flammable contents (tools, gasoline, propane, etc.)

In high heat and wind, these smaller buildings can catch fire quickly and spread flames toward your main home, especially if they're within 30 feet.

The University of California’s Fire Network and Fire Safe Marin both recommend treating detached structures with the same level of fire-hardening as your house.

What Counts as a “Detached Structure”?

Here’s a quick list of structures to consider fireproofing:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• Garages and workshops

• Sheds (metal or wood)

• Pool houses and cabanas

• Barns and small storage buildings

• Detached offices or studios

If it’s a building you care about—or one that sits near your home—it needs attention.

Step 1: Clean and Clear Zone Zero

Just like your home, the first five feet around detached buildings matter most. Remove:

• Firewood, mulch, and debris

• Plastic planters and storage bins

• Gasoline, propane, or lawn equipment

• Any flammable clutter under decks or overhangs

Replace combustible ground cover with gravel, decomposed granite, or pavers. This alone can significantly reduce the risk of ignition from embers.

Step 2: Upgrade Siding and Roofing Materials

Many sheds and garages are built with budget materials like T1-11 plywood or vinyl siding. These can ignite easily when exposed to embers or radiant heat.

Instead, use:

• Fiber cement siding or three-coat stucco for siding upgrades

• Metal or Class A-rated composition roofing

• Boxed-in eaves with ember-resistant soffit vents

• Metal trim around windows and doors to reduce heat transfer

Pro tip: Don’t forget the roof. Roofs with accumulated debris are a top cause of ignition.

Step 3: Protect Vents, Doors, and Windows

Detached structures still need airflow—but standard vents are vulnerable. Install:

• Ember-resistant vents (1/8” screening or intumescent designs)

• Dual-pane tempered glass windows (or no windows at all)

• Solid-core or metal doors with tight-fitting seals

Weatherstripping and door sweeps are especially important for ADUs that serve as living spaces.

Step 4: Remove or Relocate Combustible Items

Detached buildings often house the very items that make fires worse:

• Lawn mowers, weed whackers, and power tools with fuel

• Paint, aerosols, or cleaning chemicals

• Propane tanks or spare gas cans

Either:

• Move these items to a fire-rated storage locker

• Store them in metal cabinets with fire-rated doors

• Keep combustibles at least 30 feet from other structures, where possible

Step 5: Fireproof ADUs Like the Main Home

ADUs are often overlooked—but they’re growing in popularity across California. If your ADU is within 30 feet of your home, you should:

• Use noncombustible siding and roofing

• Box and seal eaves

• Install metal or fiberglass doors

• Use tempered glass for all windows and skylights

• Replace vinyl trim and gutters with metal

Berkeley’s Fire Prevention Inspection Guide treats ADUs as extensions of the primary structure for fire hardening.

Step 6: Full-Structure Fire Shielding for Detached Units

Some structures are too close, too old, or too hard to retrofit. That’s where passive fire shielding comes in.

Fire-resistant blanket systems can:

• Fully cover a shed, ADU, or garage

• Shield siding, roof, vents, and windows from embers and radiant heat

• Be deployed in less than an hour by trained crews

• Protect up to 3,000°F without water, power, or supervision

For homeowners with classic backyard studios or converted garages that can’t be rebuilt, this can be a game-changer.

What Fire Inspectors Are Looking For

Fire agencies across Contra Costa and Alameda County will assess:

• The distance between your home and detached structures

• The condition of the exterior (peeling paint, cracked siding, exposed vents)

• The contents inside (fuel, paint, chemicals)

• The ground cover around the structure

During fire season, inspectors may recommend or require removal of vegetation and relocation of flammable storage.

Extra Tips for Backyard Buildings

• Install metal mesh around decks or crawlspaces to keep embers out

• Use metal storage sheds over plastic or wood

• Anchor small sheds properly, so they don’t shift during high winds or earthquake retrofitting

• Label hazardous materials clearly for fire crews

• Use external lighting rated for heat exposure

Final Word

Detached structures deserve the same level of care and planning as your main home. Whether it’s your garage, garden shed, or a new ADU rental, protecting it with defensible space and smart building materials can stop a small spark from becoming a total loss.

And when you can’t afford to retrofit—or just want a backup plan—fire tenting and blanket shielding can offer the peace of mind your property deserves.

The Zone Zero Fire Shield team hopes you find this information helpful.

See also: [Understanding Zone 0] [Creating a Fire-Safe Perimeter] [Best Fire-Resistant Building Materials for Zone 0 and Zone 1]

Top 10 Materials to Avoid in Wildfire Zones

When preparing your home for a wildfire, one of the most important steps is selecting the right building materials. Unfortunately, not all materials are created equal, and some can increase the vulnerability of your home during a wildfire. This blog will outline the top 10 materials to avoid in wildfire zones, helping you make informed choices when protecting your home.

Why Material Selection Matters in Wildfire Defense

The materials you choose for your home’s roof, siding, deck, and landscaping play a huge role in how well it can withstand the extreme conditions of a wildfire. Wildfires are unpredictable, and ember attacks, radiant heat, and direct flames are just a few of the risks to consider. Certain materials are highly flammable, which can contribute to the rapid spread of fire, putting your property—and potentially the whole neighborhood—at greater risk.

Let's explore the top 10 materials you should avoid when building or renovating your home in a wildfire zone.

1. Wood Shingles/Shakes

Wood shingles and shakes are classic roofing materials, but they are also one of the most flammable options. During a wildfire, embers can easily ignite wooden shingles, causing the fire to spread quickly. Even if a fire doesn’t directly touch the roof, the heat from nearby flames can still ignite wood shingles.

• Recommendation: Opt for Class A fire-rated roofing materials like metal, clay tiles, or composite shingles.
  
  

2. Unrated Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are commonly used due to their cost-effectiveness, but they don’t provide adequate protection in a wildfire. Unrated asphalt shingles are particularly vulnerable to the heat and embers produced by wildfires, making them an unsafe choice for homes in fire-prone areas.

• Recommendation: Choose Class A fire-rated composite shingles or metal roofing for better fire protection.
  
  

3. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is an affordable option, but it is highly flammable and can melt or catch fire when exposed to heat. The melting vinyl can spread flames to your home’s interior, further damaging your property. It’s important to avoid vinyl siding, especially in Zone 0 and Zone 1.

• Recommendation: Go for fiber cement board or metal siding, both of which are fire-resistant options.
  
  

4. Treated Wood (Untreated)

While treated wood can offer some level of protection against moisture and pests, it is still highly flammable and should be avoided in high-risk wildfire zones. When untreated, wood is even more susceptible to fire, and it can act as fuel during a wildfire, spreading flames rapidly.

• Recommendation: Use fire-resistant materials like fiber cement board or fire-rated wood products.
  
  

5. Plastic or PVC Gutters

Plastic gutters may seem like a cost-effective solution, but they melt quickly and can easily catch fire when embers land on them. Plastic is one of the most flammable materials around your home, and it’s best to avoid it in favor of more fire-resistant options.

• Recommendation: Install galvanized steel or aluminum gutters with metal gutter guards to prevent ember buildup.
  
  

6. Synthetic Turf

Synthetic turf might look appealing, but it is a non-natural material that can melt and catch fire quickly. The plastics and chemicals used in synthetic turf make it a significant fire hazard when exposed to intense heat.

• Recommendation: Use natural, fire-resistant ground covers like succulents, grass, or wildflower meadows to maintain aesthetic appeal without compromising safety.
  
  

7. Plastic Window Frames

Plastic window frames, while lightweight and inexpensive, are highly flammable. When exposed to the intense heat of a wildfire, plastic window frames can melt or ignite, allowing embers to easily enter your home.

• Recommendation: Choose metal or aluminum window frames that provide better protection from both heat and flames.
  
  

8. Wood Decking

Wooden decks are one of the most vulnerable areas of a home during a wildfire, as embers can easily settle underneath and ignite the wood. The flame can spread quickly, causing significant damage to your property and posing a risk to your entire structure.

• Recommendation: Opt for fire-rated composite decking or metal decking to prevent fire spread from beneath the deck.
  
  

9. Traditional Wood Fencing

Wooden fences attached to your home can act as a bridge for fire to spread to your structure. The flammable nature of wood, combined with its ability to easily ignite from embers, makes traditional wood fencing a poor choice for wildfire defense.

• Recommendation: Install metal, stone, or masonry fencing to create a fire-resistant barrier around your home.
  
  

10. Highly Flammable Mulch

Mulch is often used in landscaping but can be a major fire hazard, especially when it is made of wood chips or bark. These materials are highly flammable, and dry conditions can make them catch fire even more easily.

• Recommendation: Replace wood mulch with gravel, stone, or decomposed granite. These non-combustible materials provide a beautiful, fire-safe landscaping solution.
  
  

Bonus: Full-Structure Fire Shielding

Even with the best materials in place, there are scenarios—like a neighboring home catching fire—where radiant heat and ember storms may overwhelm your defenses. That’s where full-structure fire shielding comes in.

Our solution is:

• Waterless (no plumbing or sprinkler system needed)
  
  

• Self-sufficient (no supervision required)
  
  

• Rated to 3,000°F, with deployment designed to protect against ember storms and radiant heat
  
  

Final Thought:

While it’s important to use fire-resistant materials for every part of your home, it’s equally important to think about Zone 0 and Zone 1 when designing and landscaping your property. By avoiding highly flammable materials and focusing on non-combustible options, you can help ensure that your home is better protected from the dangers of wildfire.

The Zone Zero Fire Shield team hopes you find this information helpful.

Related Blogs in Our Series:

• How to Harden Your Home for Ember Resistance
  
  

• Defensible Space: The First Line of Defense Against Wildfires in Berkeley
  
  

• The Role of Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Wildfire Defense
  
  

Understanding Ember Attacks and How to Protect Your Home from Wildfire Embers

Embers are one of the most dangerous and overlooked threats during a wildfire. While many people focus on the flames, the flying embers can cause more damage than the fire itself, and they are responsible for the majority of home ignitions. In fact, over 90% of homes destroyed during wildfires are ignited by embers, not the main fire front.

In wildfire-prone areas like Berkeley, where steep terrain, dense vegetation, and high winds create ideal conditions for ember spread, understanding how ember attacks work—and how to protect your home from them—is essential. In this blog, we will discuss the science behind ember attacks, the risks they pose to your property, and the steps you can take to protect your home from this hidden wildfire danger.

What Are Embers?

Embers are small, glowing pieces of burning debris that are carried by the wind during a wildfire. They can be made up of burning leaves, branches, wood, or other materials, and they can travel miles ahead of the main fire. Embers are highly unpredictable—one gust of wind can carry them far and wide, sparking fires in places that are nowhere near the original firefront.

Embers can ignite a variety of materials, from dry vegetation to wooden structures, and even glass windows. They are one of the primary reasons that homes located far from the fire’s immediate path can still catch fire. The radiant heat from embers can even cause fires without direct contact with the flames.

How Do Ember Attacks Work?

Embers are most dangerous in strong winds, which can push them over long distances, creating multiple fire fronts. As wildfires produce massive amounts of heat and flames, embers become airborne and travel unpredictably. They can settle on roofs, under eaves, in gutters, or on decks—places that might seem safe but are highly vulnerable to ember ignition.

Embers can land in places far ahead of the main fire, often starting fires in multiple locations simultaneously. For instance, in the case of the Palisades Fire, 90% of the structures destroyed were ignited by embers from neighboring burning homes, and radiant heat played a significant role in starting these secondary fires.

Understanding how embers behave can help you take preventative actions to protect your property. By hardening your home and creating defensible space, you can minimize the risk of embers landing on vulnerable surfaces and igniting your home.

The Impact of Wind on Ember Spread

Wind plays a crucial role in ember spread. In wildfire-prone areas like Berkeley, winds can reach speeds of 40-50 mph or more, carrying embers from one place to another. Strong winds can push embers hundreds of yards away from the fire’s location, often spreading fires in different directions. This is why embers can be responsible for igniting structures far away from the main wildfire, especially in dense, urban areas.

In some of California’s most devastating fires, winds have carried embers as far as five miles or more, igniting homes and other structures along the way. This underscores the importance of preparing your home not just for the threat of direct flames but also for wind-driven ember attacks.

How to Protect Your Home from Ember Attacks

While embers are small, their ability to ignite a home is significant. Fortunately, there are several effective measures you can take to protect your home from the dangers of ember attacks:

1. Install Ember-Resistant Vents:
   One of the most vulnerable parts of your home is the ventilation system. During a wildfire, embers can easily enter through attic vents, soffit vents, and crawl space vents. To prevent this, install ember-resistant vents that have 1/8-inch mesh screens to keep embers from getting inside. You can also use non-combustible vent covers for additional protection.
   
   

2. Create a Defensible Zone Around Your Home:
   The Ember Program recommends creating a defensible space around your home by removing combustible materials and reducing the fuel load near your structure. This includes clearing dry leaves, branches, and other flammable debris from your yard, roof, and gutters. Create Zone 0 (0-5 feet), which is an ember-resistant zone, using fire-resistant materials like gravel, stone, and concrete.
   
   

3. Use Fire-Resistant Roofing and Materials:
   Your roof is one of the most exposed parts of your home and is highly vulnerable to ember ignition. Class A fire-rated roofing materials such as metal, clay tiles, or concrete tiles are ideal for preventing embers from igniting your roof. Additionally, replacing wooden decking with composite decking or fire-resistant materials can help prevent embers from starting a fire in these areas.
   
   

4. Install Tempered Glass Windows:
   Regular windows can easily shatter when exposed to radiant heat or flying embers. Tempered glass windows are much more resistant to heat and are less likely to break under high temperatures. Consider replacing your windows with dual-pane glass or tempered glass to provide better protection from ember attacks.
   
   

5. Trim Trees and Remove Ladder Fuels:
   Ladder fuels, which are plants and branches that allow fire to climb from the ground to the tree canopy, can help embers spread quickly. To prevent this, trim trees and shrubs, especially those within 5 to 30 feet of your home. Keep tree branches at least 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipes.
   
   

6. Use Non-Combustible Fencing:
   Wooden fences can act as fuel for embers, especially if they are attached to your home. Consider replacing wooden fences with metal, stone, or masonry fences, which are non-combustible and won’t catch fire easily.
   
   

7. Maintain Gutters and Roofs:
   Gutters and roofs often collect dry leaves, pine needles, and other debris that are perfect for igniting. Regularly clear debris from gutters, rooftops, and under eaves to reduce the risk of embers igniting these materials. Additionally, consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris buildup.
   
   

8. Fire-Resistant Landscaping:
   Use fire-resistant plants such as succulents, lavender, and manzanita to create a fire-safe zone around your home. Avoid flammable vegetation like juniper and pine trees that are likely to catch fire in a wildfire. Keep plants well-irrigated to prevent them from drying out and becoming fire hazards.
   
   

How the Ember Program Supports Ember Protection in Berkeley

The EMBER program in Berkeley encourages residents to create defensible space and harden their homes with ember-resistant materials, including fire-resistant roofs, windows, and vents. The city is actively promoting these strategies to help residents reduce the risk of ember attacks. The Ember Program provides detailed regulations and guidelines for creating a fire-safe environment.

For more details on the EMBER program, visit the City of Berkeley EMBER Program page.

How Zone Zero Fire Shield Can Help Protect Your Home

While the steps outlined above will significantly reduce the risk of ember attacks, adding an extra layer of protection with Zone Zero Fire Shield can provide added security for your home. Zone Zero Fire Shield offers fire-resistant blankets that can be quickly deployed around your home to protect against embers, radiant heat, and flames during wildfire events.

For more information on Zone Zero Fire Shield and how it can help protect your home from ember attacks, contact us.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Defense Against Ember Attacks

Understanding how embers work and taking proactive steps to protect your home is essential for surviving a wildfire. By implementing ember-resistant materials, creating defensible space, and regularly maintaining your property, you can reduce the chances of your home catching fire from ember attacks. The EMBER program provides the tools and resources to help you protect your home from embers and radiant heat, but additional steps like Zone Zero Fire Shield offer an extra layer of protection.

Don’t wait for the next wildfire to hit—start taking steps today to safeguard your home from the threat of ember attacks.

Other Related Blogs in Our Series:

• What is Zone Zero in Wildfire Defence: Learn about the importance of Zone Zero, the ember-resistant zone, in protecting your home from wildfires.
  
  

• How to Harden Your Home for Wildfire Protection: Discover how strengthening your home’s structure can make it more resistant to wildfires.
  
  

• The Role of Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Wildfire Defense: Explore how landscaping choices can influence the effectiveness of your home’s wildfire defense strategy.

The Role of Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Wildfire Defense: How to Protect Your Berkeley Home

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your home is through fire-resistant landscaping. When wildfires approach, especially in high-risk areas like Berkeley Hills, radiant heat and embers are the main culprits responsible for igniting homes. While defensible space and home hardening strategies are critical, landscaping choices are equally important in preventing fire from spreading to your home. Fire-resistant landscaping helps create a defensible zone around your property, protecting it from ember attacks and radiant heat exposure.

In this blog, we’ll explore the principles of fire-resistant landscaping, the best plants and materials to use, and how this strategy can work alongside the EMBER program to protect your home from the dangers of wildfires.

What is Fire-Resistant Landscaping?

Fire-resistant landscaping refers to the strategic selection of plants, materials, and designs that help reduce the likelihood of fire spreading to your home. The key focus is on creating a defensible zone around your property that minimizes the spread of wildfires, particularly from ember ignition and radiant heat.

In high-risk wildfire zones like Berkeley, where homes are surrounded by dense vegetation, fire-resistant landscaping can significantly reduce the risk of your home catching fire. The EMBER program promotes Zone 0 (the area within 5 feet of your home) as an ember-resistant zone where non-combustible materials should be used to prevent the spread of fire to your structure.

The Importance of Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Wildfire Prevention

Fire-resistant landscaping not only improves the safety of your home but also provides other benefits, including:

• Protecting your home from ember attack: By choosing the right plants and materials, you can reduce the chance that embers will land on your roof or yard and ignite your home.
  
  

• Reducing the intensity of radiant heat: Fire-resistant plants and non-combustible materials create a barrier against heat and flames, helping to deflect the radiant heat that can spread from burning vegetation or nearby structures.
  
  

• Enhancing overall home resilience: Along with the other measures in the EMBER program, fire-resistant landscaping contributes to a comprehensive wildfire defense strategy that includes defensible space, home hardening, and vegetation management.
  
  

Best Fire-Resistant Landscaping Plants for Berkeley Homes

When selecting plants for your landscape, it’s important to choose those that are fire-resistant and well-suited to the local climate. In Berkeley, where the dry season increases wildfire risks, you'll want to choose plants that:

1. Retain moisture and are less likely to catch fire
   
   

2. Don’t produce excessive combustible debris, like dry leaves or branches
   
   

3. Are low-growing to prevent a “fire ladder,” which can carry flames to taller trees or structures
   
   

Some of the best fire-resistant plants for Berkeley homes include:

• Succulents (e.g., agave, aloe vera): These plants store water in their leaves and are highly resistant to fire.
  
  

• Lavender: A low-growing, aromatic plant that’s drought-tolerant and fire-resistant.
  
  

• California poppies: Bright, colorful, and native, these plants thrive in the Bay Area and are resistant to fire.
  
  

• Manzanita: A shrub that is native to California and is known for its fire-resistant properties.
  
  

• Succulent groundcovers (e.g., sedum, ice plant): These groundcovers are great for filling in gaps and reducing the amount of dry, flammable material on your property.
  
  

Avoid plants like juniper, pines, spruce, and eucalyptus because they are highly flammable and can easily catch fire during hot, dry conditions.

Non-Combustible Materials: The Backbone of Fire-Resistant Landscaping

In addition to selecting fire-resistant plants, the materials you use in your landscape design are just as important. Here are some key materials to consider for fire-resistant landscaping:

1. Gravel and Stone: Using gravel, pebbles, and stone in your landscaping will create non-combustible surfaces that prevent flames from spreading. These materials are great for walkways, patios, and as ground cover around your home.
   
   

2. Pavers and Concrete: Use pavers or concrete for paths and areas surrounding your home. These materials do not burn and can act as barriers against fire.
   
   

3. Metal Fencing: Replace wooden fences with metal fences, which will not catch fire. Metal fences are particularly important in the defensible space zones near your home to prevent fire from climbing and reaching your structure.
   
   

4. Fire-Resistant Mulch: Instead of using highly flammable wood mulch, opt for rock mulch or crushed granite to prevent the spread of fire. These materials are more fire-resistant and are great for creating a defensible zone.
   
   

5. Fireproof Walls: If you need to build a retaining wall or barrier around your home, consider using stone, concrete, or steel, which are all fire-resistant materials that provide a robust defense against flames and radiant heat.
   
   

How Fire-Resistant Landscaping Fits into Berkeley’s EMBER Program

The EMBER program is designed to help Berkeley homeowners create a more fire-resilient environment by implementing strategies like vegetation management and combustible material removal. As part of this program, Zone 0 focuses on creating an ember-resistant zone immediately around your home. Here’s how fire-resistant landscaping plays a key role in this:

1. Clear Combustible Materials: Remove any dry leaves, mulch, or dead plants from the 0-5 foot zone around your home. This will help prevent embers from landing on flammable materials and igniting your home.
   
   

2. Use Fire-Resistant Plants: In Zone 1 (5-30 feet), plant fire-resistant species that will reduce the risk of fire spreading toward your structure. Fire-resistant plants help keep the surrounding vegetation from becoming fuel for the fire.
   
   

3. Create Hardscaping Features: Fire-resistant hardscaping features such as stone pathways or gravel beds can act as natural fire breaks, preventing flames from reaching your house.
   
   

4. Proper Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your landscaping, especially during wildfire season. Trim back overgrown plants, remove dead vegetation, and ensure that materials around your home are kept free from combustible debris.
   
   

How Zone Zero Fire Shield Can Help Protect Your Home

While fire-resistant landscaping and defensible space are critical for wildfire protection, adding an extra layer of defense with Zone Zero Fire Shield provides added security for your home. Zone Zero Fire Shield offers fire-resistant blankets designed to protect homes from embers and radiant heat during wildfire events. These blankets can be easily deployed and provide another line of defense when wildfires are nearby.

For more information on Zone Zero Fire Shield and how it can help protect your home in Berkeley, contact us.

Conclusion: Creating a Fire-Resistant Landscape for Long-Term Protection

Fire-resistant landscaping is an essential part of wildfire preparedness. By carefully choosing the right plants and materials, you can create a fire-resistant landscape that not only enhances the beauty of your property but also provides effective protection against wildfires. With the EMBER program in place and the support of organizations like FireSafe Berkeley, Berkeley homeowners can take proactive steps to ensure their properties are ready for the growing wildfire threat.

Other Related Blogs in Our Series:

• What is Zone Zero in Wildfire Defence: Learn about the importance of Zone Zero, the ember-resistant zone, in protecting your home from wildfires.
  
  

• How to Harden Your Home for Wildfire Protection: Discover how strengthening your home’s structure can make it more resistant to wildfires.
  
  

• Understanding Ember Attacks and How to Protect Your Home: A detailed look at how embers cause the majority of wildfire damage and how to defend your home against them.