Pet Safety During Wildfire Season: A Guide for East Bay Families

As wildfires continue to devastate communities across California, protecting your home, family, and pets becomes an urgent priority. In areas like Berkeley, Oakland, Moraga, and Lafayette, residents are particularly vulnerable to wildfires, and this is why pet safety during fire season is crucial. Pet owners must not only prepare their homes but also plan for their pets' safety in case of an evacuation or emergency.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to keep your pets safe during wildfires, offering expert advice from local organizations like Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Berkeley Humane, Friends of the Alameda County Shelter, and Berkeley Animal Center. Additionally, we'll explore how to create a pet-friendly wildfire evacuation plan and ensure your pets are protected before, during, and after a wildfire event.

Step 1: Fire Prevention for Your Pets

One of the most important steps in wildfire safety is prevention. According to Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), "Fire prevention for pets starts inside the home by reducing fire hazards and making sure your pets are not put in harm's way due to negligence" ARF.

• Reduce Open Flames: Pets, especially curious cats and energetic dogs, often interact with household items like candles, which can lead to accidental fires. Replace traditional candles with electric flameless candles or keep flame candles inside protective glass containers away from pet activity zones.
  
  

• Protect Stove Knobs: The Alameda County Animal Shelter advises covering stove knobs to prevent pets, particularly large dogs, from accidentally turning on burners, which is a leading cause of fire ignitions in homes with pets.
  
  

• Manage Electrical Wires: Pets can chew on electrical cords, creating both fire hazards and risks of electrocution. Wire management sleeves can protect your wires and prevent accidents. Taste deterrent sprays also help prevent pets from chewing on cords.
  
  

Step 2: Preparing for Fire Season with Your Pet

Preparation is key when it comes to wildfire safety. Berkeley Humane offers expert advice on how to make sure your pets are ready for an evacuation: "The key to managing wildfire risks for your pets is planning ahead, so that when the situation arises, your pets are part of the plan" Berkeley Humane.

• Create a Pet-Friendly Bugout Bag: Pack essential items such as food, water, medical records, leashes, comfort items, and pet medications. Friends of the Alameda County Shelter stresses the importance of updating your pet’s identification, including microchips and collars with up-to-date contact information.
  
  

• Designate Roles and Responsibilities: If your family is in different locations when a wildfire breaks out, establish who is responsible for which pet, including assigning duties for evacuating pets and ensuring they are safe during the evacuation.
  
  

• Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters: Many local shelters, including those in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, may be filled quickly during wildfire evacuations. Moraga’s emergency preparedness team advises residents to familiarize themselves with pet-friendly hotels and shelters well in advance, such as Berkeley Humane and Tony La Russa’s ARF, which both offer temporary shelters for pets in emergencies.
  
  

Step 3: During the Fire: Protecting Your Pets

When the fire alarms sound, time becomes your most precious resource. Evacuating early gives you and your pets the best chance of staying safe.

• Leash Your Pets: The Berkeley Humane Society emphasizes, "During evacuations, keep pets on a leash, as they may become disoriented and frightened in the chaos" [Berkeley Humane]. Ensure all pets are on a leash and that they are properly secured in a safe location during the evacuation.
  
  

• Notify Rescuers About Pets Left Behind: If you cannot get your pets out safely, immediately inform emergency responders about the location of your pets. As noted by Friends of the Alameda County Shelter, "First responders have the proper equipment to rescue pets safely but need clear communication from residents about where pets are located" [Friends of the Alameda County Shelter].
  
  

Step 4: After the Fire: Reuniting with Your Pets

Once it's safe to return, your job is far from over. Reuniting with your pets requires both emotional and physical preparation.

• Rehydrate and Feed Your Pets: After a stressful evacuation, pets will need food, water, and a quiet space to rest. Berkeley Humane recommends providing a familiar comfort item such as their favorite blanket or toy to help reduce stress.
  
  

• Check for Injuries: After being away for an extended period, inspect your pets for burns, scratches, or injuries. Tony La Russa’s ARF suggests that owners should "take pets to a veterinarian as soon as possible if there are any signs of distress or injury" [ARF].
  
  

Step 5: How Zone Zero Fire Shield Can Help Protect Your Pets

One of the most valuable tools in your home’s wildfire defense arsenal is the Zone Zero Fire Shield. For homes in Berkeley, Oakland, and Contra Costa County, where wildfires can be fast-moving and devastating, Zone Zero Fire Shield provides an added layer of protection for your property and your pets.

Zone Zero Fire Shield:

• Protects your property up to 3,000°F, shielding structures, cars, RVs, propane tanks, and even outdoor pet enclosures from embers and radiant heat.
  
  

• Does not require water, power, or supervision, making it a perfect solution for those who need to evacuate quickly but still want their home and pets protected.
  
  

• Can be deployed in under an hour, offering immediate relief and confidence that your belongings—and pets—are safe.
  
  

For residents in Moraga or Orinda, where proximity to vegetation and steep terrain increases wildfire risks, having a Zone Zero Fire Shield in place ensures that your pets and home are protected even if you’re not there when a fire hits.

Step 6: Stay Informed and Connected

Ensuring the safety of your pets during a wildfire isn’t just about physical preparation—it’s also about staying informed and connected.

• Sign Up for Local Alerts: Register for AC Alert (Alameda County), Contra Costa County Alerts, Moraga Police Nixle, and Berkeley’s Emergency Notifications to receive real-time updates during a wildfire.
  
  

• Know Where to Find Your Pet: Berkeley Humane advises that you keep an updated record of your pets' favorite hiding spots, as they may take refuge in familiar places.
  
  

Conclusion

By preparing for wildfires with a detailed plan for your pets, you can mitigate much of the anxiety and chaos associated with evacuation. From creating a bug-out bag and evacuation routes to ensuring your pets are protected with the Zone Zero Fire Shield, every step you take will help ensure their safety during fire season. Local resources like Tony La Russa’s ARF, Berkeley Humane, and Friends of the Alameda County Shelter are invaluable partners in keeping your pets safe.

Related Blogs in Our Series:

• How to Harden Your Home for Ember Resistance
  
  

• Creating a Wildfire Evacuation Plan for Your Family
  
  

• Creating a Fire-Safe Perimeter

Creating a Wildfire Evacuation Plan for Your Family

Wildfire evacuations happen fast. Sometimes you have hours to prepare; sometimes, it’s only minutes. That’s why every California household—especially those in the East Bay—should have a clear, practiced evacuation plan.

This isn’t just about checking a few boxes on a to-do list. It’s about making decisions now so that you and your loved ones don’t have to make them during the chaos of a fire.

Here’s how to build a smart, reliable wildfire evacuation plan, plus how the Zone Zero Fire Shield solution can give you extra peace of mind when you leave.

Step 1: Know Your Threats

If you live in areas like Moraga, Orinda, Danville, Oakland Hills, or Blackhawk, your home is in what CAL FIRE designates as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). That means fast-moving wildfires, steep terrain, and limited escape routes.

• Moraga Emergency Preparedness: Moraga advises all residents to maintain 2 evacuation routes and keep vehicles filled and facing out. Their site includes shelter information and evacuation route maps.

• Orinda Evacuation Info: Orinda publishes specific wildfire zones and has guidance for evacuation drills and neighborhood watch collaboration.

• Lafayette Evacuation Planning: The city recommends preloading evacuation zones into your navigation apps.

• City of Oakland Evacuation Preparedness: Includes Zonehaven information and emphasizes Go-Bag prep and pets.

• Contra Costa Sheriff’s Evacuation Readiness: Broad guidelines, including community-wide drills and sheltering plans.

Visit CAL FIRE’s FHSZ Viewer to confirm your risk zone.

Step 2: Build and Maintain a Go-Bag

Each member of your household—including pets—should have a “go-bag” ready at all times. Keep it in a closet near your main exit or in your car during fire season.

Include:

• Copies of important documents (insurance, ID, title)

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Medications and medical supplies

• Phone chargers and power banks

• Cash and credit card

• 3-day supply of food and water

• Pet food and leash

• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes

• N95 masks (for smoke)

• USB with family photos and documents

• Portable radio

Maintain your bag seasonally. Refill medications, rotate food and water, and test electronics.

Step 3: Design Multiple Evacuation Routes

Fires often block main roads. Your family should know at least two ways out of your neighborhood.

Steps to plan routes:

• Drive each route in daylight and at night

• Check for construction or narrow passages

• Keep printed maps in your vehicle

• Practice using navigation apps to avoid hazards

Local road closure info:

• 511 Contra Costa

• Zonehaven Aware for real-time zone status

Step 4: Family Communication Plan

Wildfire evacuations are chaotic. You might not be together when the order comes.

Establish:

• A central out-of-area contact person

• Meeting locations outside the neighborhood

• Backup communication methods (walkie-talkies, written instructions)

Encourage family to memorize:

• One out-of-town contact number

• Your evacuation zone ID (Zonehaven provides these)

• Your address and cross-streets

Step 5: Sign Up for Local Alerts

Every city and county has its own alert system. Don’t wait—register for them all:

• AC Alert (Alameda County)

• Contra Costa County Alerts

• City of Berkeley Emergency Notifications

• Moraga Police Nixle

• Oakland Wildfire Evacuation Alerts

Enable push notifications, emails, and SMS for every adult in the household.

Step 6: Prep Vehicles and Tools

Your vehicle becomes your escape route. Don’t let it be the weakest link.

• Gas tanks half full or more

• Park facing outward, away from garage doors

• Keep spare keys accessible

• Remove paper, gas cans, flammable seat covers

• Consider a rooftop cargo box for extra gear

• Don’t forget tire pressure and battery checks

Step 7: Make a Pet Evacuation Plan

Many families lose pets during wildfires—not because they don’t care, but because they’re unprepared.

• Keep crates near exits

• Pre-pack food, bowls, leashes, and pet meds

• Microchip all pets

• Store a hard copy of vaccination records

• Identify shelters or hotels that accept animals

Check local animal services:

• Contra Costa Animal Services

• Alameda County Animal Services

Step 8: Evacuate Early

Waiting too long can cost lives. Even if the evacuation is voluntary, leave when:

• Smoke is visible

• Alerts recommend you “prepare to evacuate”

• Emergency services are staging nearby

The earlier you leave:

• The safer your route

• The less congested the roads

• The more time responders have to protect the neighborhood

Step 9: Protect Your Home While You Leave

Before you go, if you have time:

• Close all windows and doors

• Leave lights on

• Shut off gas and propane

• Move flammables away from the structure

• Remove flammable window coverings

Or—better yet—let us handle it.

With Zone Zero Fire Shield, you don’t have to scramble to protect your belongings.

Our service:

• Deploys a 3,000°F fire-resistant blanket around your home and property

• Covers cars, motorcycles, RVs, propane tanks, and outdoor equipment

• Works whether you’re home or not

• Is triggered by early fire alerts or a pre-signed agreement

• Lets you evacuate without worrying about your heirlooms, art, photos, or electronics

We’ve designed our system specifically for families who live out of state, rent their homes, or might be away when a fire hits. If you're already gone, we’ll still show up. If you are home, you can evacuate with peace of mind.

Step 10: Practice and Rehearse

At least once per year:

• Sound a drill

• Grab go-bags

• Evacuate in real time

• Time your departure

• Debrief as a family and improve your plan

Include neighbors if possible. Local fire departments often support evacuation practice events or CERT training.

Additional Tips

• Save scanned copies of documents to cloud storage

• Keep fireproof bags in your go-bag

• Install a battery backup garage door opener

• Don’t rely on landlines—use SMS, apps, or battery radios

Final Word

Evacuation planning is about more than logistics—it’s about trust and readiness. When you’ve planned well, you make space for calm action instead of panic.

And when you’ve added full-structure fire shielding to your home defense, you gain the freedom to evacuate knowing your home and everything in it is protected—even if you can’t be there.

Take your family. Leave your worries.

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

See also: [What Is Zone 0?] [Fireproofing Detached Structures: Sheds, ADUs, and Garages] [Home Hardening 101 for East Bay Homes]

Understanding Radiant Heat: How to Protect Your Home from Heat Exposure in Wildfires

When people think of wildfires, they often focus on the destructive force of flames that can directly ignite homes and other structures. However, another critical risk during a wildfire is radiant heat—the intense heat that can be transferred from flames to nearby objects, even without direct contact. This type of heat can cause significant damage to homes, including melting materials, igniting combustibles, and causing structural failures.

In areas like Berkeley, where the risk of wildfires is increasing due to the proximity of dense vegetation and steep terrain, understanding and mitigating radiant heat is just as important as protecting against flames and embers. In this blog, we will explain what radiant heat is, how it affects your home, and the steps you can take to protect your property from this silent yet dangerous wildfire threat.

What is Radiant Heat?

Radiant heat is the heat energy emitted from the flames of a fire, which travels through the air and heats up nearby surfaces. Unlike convective heat, which rises and spreads outwards, radiant heat travels in straight lines and can affect objects that are up to several hundred feet away from the flames. This is why homes that are not directly impacted by flames can still suffer damage from radiant heat during a wildfire.

When radiant heat reaches your home, it doesn’t need to make direct contact to cause damage. Instead, the heat can radiate through the air and raise the temperature of materials and surfaces, causing them to weaken, warp, or ignite. The intensity and duration of the heat exposure determine how much damage is done. While the flames themselves are the most immediate and visible threat, the secondary danger of radiant heat is more insidious—it can affect homes that are not directly in the fire's path but are still exposed to its heat.

Embers and Radiant Heat: A Leading Cause of Structure Fires

It’s crucial to note that the majority of structure fires during wildfires are not caused by the direct flames, but by embers and radiant heat from nearby burning structures. In fact, 90% of the 16,000 homes destroyed during the Palisades Fire were ignited by flying embers and radiant heat from adjacent burning structures. This is a common phenomenon during wildfires, especially when strong winds are present. Winds can carry embers for miles, causing new fires to start far ahead of the main fire front.

1. Embers:
   Flying embers are small, burning pieces of wood or vegetation that are carried by the wind. They can travel far ahead of the main wildfire and ignite dry vegetation or even structures. Embers are responsible for the majority of home ignitions during wildfires, as they often land on roofs or other vulnerable parts of homes and start fires before the main flames even arrive. The small size and unpredictable nature of embers make them extremely difficult to defend against once they’re in the air.
   
   

2. Radiant Heat:
   Radiant heat refers to the heat emitted from a fire that can ignite materials even when they are not in direct contact with flames. This kind of heat is particularly dangerous because it can spread from one structure to another, even in the absence of direct flame contact. For instance, if a nearby house catches fire, the radiant heat it emits can ignite another home through windows, siding, or other surfaces. This is why protecting your home from radiant heat exposure is essential during wildfire season.
   
   

3. Wind’s Role:
   Strong winds can accelerate the spread of wildfires by carrying embers and increasing the intensity of radiant heat. Wind can push embers over long distances, turning them into “firestorms” that can spread rapidly. For example, during the Palisades Fire, winds carried embers up to three miles ahead of the flames, causing new fires to break out far from the original wildfire perimeter. Wind also increases the intensity of radiant heat, allowing it to travel further and with greater force.
   
   

How to Protect Your Home from Radiant Heat and Ember Attacks

Understanding the risks posed by radiant heat and embers is the first step in protecting your home from wildfires. Here are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage from these threats:

1. Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials:
   The roof is one of the most exposed parts of your home during a wildfire. Embers can easily ignite a roof, especially if it is made of flammable materials like wood. Installing Class A fire-rated roofing materials, such as metal, clay tiles, or concrete tiles, will significantly reduce the chance of embers igniting your roof. These materials are highly resistant to radiant heat and will protect your home from flying embers.
   
   

2. Install Fire-Resistant Windows:
   Tempered glass windows or dual-pane glass windows are much more resistant to radiant heat and are far less likely to shatter when exposed to high temperatures. These types of windows will help prevent radiant heat from entering your home, and they also offer better insulation from the extreme temperatures associated with wildfires.
   
   

3. Create Defensible Space Around Your Home:
   As mentioned earlier, creating defensible space around your home is key to preventing both ember and radiant heat damage. Use non-combustible materials like gravel, stone, and pavers in the 0-5 foot Zone Zero around your home. Keep trees and shrubs well-maintained and spaced out to prevent fires from spreading to your structure.
   
   

4. Use Fire-Resistant Landscaping:
   Landscaping plays a significant role in reducing radiant heat exposure. Replace flammable vegetation with fire-resistant plants like succulents and agave. These plants retain moisture, making them much less likely to catch fire. Additionally, avoid using wood mulch or highly flammable trees near your home.
   
   

5. Ember-Resistant Vents:
   Embers can enter your home through vents in your attic, crawl space, and eaves. Make sure to install 1/8-inch mesh screens on all vents to block embers from getting inside. You can also opt for ember-resistant vents, which are specifically designed to withstand heat and prevent ember intrusion.
   
   

How the EMBER Program Supports Radiant Heat Mitigation in Berkeley

The EMBER program in Berkeley not only addresses ember and vegetation management but also encourages homeowners to invest in home hardening strategies like fire-resistant materials and heat-reflective windows. By following the EMBER program’s guidelines, residents can reduce their home’s vulnerability to both radiant heat and ember attacks.

For more details on the EMBER program and the necessary steps for protecting your home, visit the City of Berkeley EMBER Program page.

How Zone Zero Fire Shield Can Help Protect Your Home

In addition to hardening your home, Zone Zero Fire Shield offers fire-resistant blankets that can be deployed around your home to provide extra protection against both embers and radiant heat. These blankets can be quickly installed in preparation for a wildfire, and they help shield your home from the dangers posed by nearby burning structures.

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

Conclusion: Proactive Measures Against Radiant Heat

Understanding and mitigating radiant heat is just as important as protecting your home from direct flames. By following the recommended home hardening strategies—installing fire-resistant roofing, tempered glass windows, and creating defensible space—you can significantly reduce your home’s risk of damage from radiant heat. The EMBER program in Berkeley supports these efforts, helping homeowners create safer, more resilient homes.

Take proactive measures today to safeguard your property from the devastating effects of wildfire and radiant heat. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

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.
  
  

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.

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.
  
  

Homeowners Insurance and Wildfires: What’s Covered and What’s Not

As wildfires become more frequent and severe across California, homeowners are learning that their insurance coverage may not offer the protection they once assumed. Insurance isn’t just a formality anymore—it’s a battleground between risk, rising costs, and even the ability to get coverage at all.

Let’s walk through what wildfire insurance actually covers (and what it doesn’t), why policies are being dropped, and how fire prevention—like the Zone Zero Fire Shield—fits into this changing landscape.

What Does Wildfire Insurance Typically Cover?

In California, most standard homeowners insurance policies do cover damage from wildfires, including:

• Damage to the structure of your home

• Personal property losses (furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.)

• Temporary housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable

• Smoke and soot damage, depending on your policy

However, policies vary widely. Some have high deductibles for wildfire losses, others limit coverage amounts in high-risk zones, and many include special exclusions if homes don’t meet local fire-hardening standards.

That’s why it’s vital to regularly review your policy with your insurance agent—especially if you live in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), like much of Contra Costa County, the Oakland Hills, or areas around Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga.

The Hidden Gaps: What’s NOT Covered

Here are a few things that are often excluded or underinsured:

• Outbuildings and sheds (unless specifically listed)

• Landscaping damage (trees, gardens, fencing)

• Debris removal (especially after partial damage)

• Secondary smoke damage to electronics and air systems

• Luxury or high-value items that exceed coverage caps

And most importantly: Your peace of mind isn’t covered.

A Growing Crisis: Canceled Policies and Soaring Rates

California is in the middle of an insurance crisis. Following record-setting wildfires in recent years—like the Camp Fire and Palisades Fires—many major insurers have dropped customers in high-risk zones or stopped writing new policies altogether.

• As of 2023, more than 300,000 California homes have lost insurance due to wildfire risk.

• In some fire-prone ZIP codes, 1 in 5 homes have had their policy canceled.

• The California Insurance Commissioner is currently reviewing a proposed 22% rate increase by major carriers, directly linked to losses from the Palisades Fire and broader risk projections.

Many East Bay homeowners—especially in Blackhawk, Alamo, and the Oakland Hills—have been forced into the FAIR Plan, a last-resort, state-run insurance option with limited benefits and high premiums.

This is why fire prevention is no longer just good sense—it’s becoming essential to remain insured.

The Key Distinction: Insurance vs. Prevention

This is where Zone Zero Fire Shield changes the game.

Unlike fire insurance, Zone Zero Fire Shield is fire prevention.

Insurance will pay to rebuild your home after it’s gone. But our solution aims to keep your home from ever being lost in the first place.

Experiencing a catastrophic wildfire event is traumatic—even if you’re insured. You lose your possessions, your peace of mind, and often your entire neighborhood. The rebuild process can take years, cost more than your coverage, and lead to constant battles with adjusters.

But when your home is protected by a 3,000°F-rated fire shield, you can evacuate with confidence:

• You don’t need to pack valuables—your art, keepsakes, and jewelry stay protected.

• Your cars, RVs, and outdoor equipment are wrapped and defended.

• If you’re out of state or on vacation, we’ll still show up and protect your property.

Instead of enduring a personal disaster, you simply come home to a structure that’s intact.

This isn’t just theory—it’s science. We’ve based our system on decades of data showing that 90% of wildfire home ignitions are from embers and radiant heat from adjacent structures, not direct flame. Our shield prevents embers from entering vents, igniting debris, or damaging windows. That’s the Zone Zero difference.

Learn more at www.zonezerofireshield.com

How Zone Zero Fire Shield Supports Insurability

Insurance companies are increasingly looking for measurable fire prevention efforts when assessing whether to write or renew a policy. Our service can:

• Help you retain your current policy by demonstrating active fire defense

• Be a valuable asset when applying for new coverage

• Potentially lower premiums as fire defense tech becomes more widely recognized

We work alongside fire departments, emergency responders, and local codes to integrate your protection with the broader wildfire defense plan.

We’re not here to replace insurance. We’re here to make sure you don’t have to use it.

Final Word

The wildfire insurance landscape is changing—and not in a homeowner-friendly way. Policies are being canceled, premiums are spiking, and even the most thorough insurance can’t bring back lost memories or keepsakes.

Zone Zero Fire Shield offers a better path: prevention, not payout.

Because rebuilding is expensive. But replacing the irreplaceable? That’s impossible.

Learn more at www.zonezerofireshield.com

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

Protect Your Home from Wildfires

Protect Your Home from Wildfires with Zone Zero Fire Shield

As wildfires continue to wreak havoc on communities across California and beyond, the need for effective fire protection solutions has never been more critical. Homeowners and businesses in high-risk areas must be proactive in safeguarding their properties, especially when flames can spread rapidly and unpredictably. One such innovative solution is the Zone Zero Fire Shield, a comprehensive, reliable fire protection system designed to provide peace of mind during wildfire season.

The Importance of Defensible Space

In California, the state has been addressing the growing threat of wildfires by mandating new rules to enhance defensible space—a buffer zone designed to reduce the risk of fire spreading to homes. New regulations, developed under AB 3074, aim to protect homes by establishing zone zero guidelines for the areas closest to structures. These rules focus on creating ember-resistant zones within 5 feet of a building, where the accumulation of embers from wildfires is most likely to ignite a home. Research has shown that more than 90% of homes are destroyed by embers, not direct flames. This makes the creation of a combustion-free zone crucial for protecting your property.

As Meghan Gaines, a defensible space inspector for CalFire, notes, the ember-resistant zone is one of the most important areas to focus on. Many fire safety experts now emphasize creating defensible space around your property and landscaping with non-combustible materials. As these new regulations become mandatory, it's clear that adopting fire-resistant strategies like the Zone Zero Fire Shield is more relevant than ever.

What is Zone Zero Fire Shield?

The Zone Zero Fire Shield is a cutting-edge fire-resistant blanket system that creates an impenetrable barrier around your home, protecting it from the intense heat, embers, and flames of wildfires. Made from advanced fire-resistant materials, these blankets withstand temperatures up to 3,000°F, ensuring that your property and its contents remain safe even in the face of extreme wildfire conditions.

When deployed, the Zone Zero Fire Shield envelopes your home, creating a seamless, airtight fire-resistant barrier. The system is designed for quick and easy installation by a professional team, who will use high-temperature metal clamps to secure the blankets tightly around your home. The blankets are strategically weighted to prevent them from being lifted by winds, and each blanket is connected together to cover the entire structure, including roofs and walls.

Key Features of the Zone Zero Fire Shield

1. High Heat Resistance: The fire-resistant blankets are designed to withstand temperatures up to 3,000°F, making them capable of handling even the most extreme wildfire conditions.
   
   

2. Seamless Protection: The blankets are stitched together using heavy-duty clamps, creating an airtight seal around your home. This prevents ember intrusion, one of the most common ways homes catch fire during a wildfire.
   
   

3. Wind Resistance: The blankets are anchored with cement weights and spike tie-downs to secure them during high winds, ensuring that they stay in place even during gusts of up to 80 mph.
   
   

4. Quick Deployment: Each deployment team is trained to complete installations within 60 minutes, making it possible to protect homes within hours of a wildfire warning. The team uses a mechanized hoist system to lift the blankets and place them efficiently.
   
   

5. Emergency Response: In the event of a wildfire, the Zone Zero Fire Shield can be deployed rapidly, even in areas that are under fire watch or fire warnings. The system provides a fire-resistant envelope for your home, allowing you to leave your property knowing it's protected.
   
   

6. Customizable Solutions: Whether you're protecting a small home or a large commercial property, the Zone Zero Fire Shield can be customized to fit your needs. The blankets come in multiple sizes, and the system is scalable to cover any property, ensuring comprehensive protection.
   
   

Why Choose Zone Zero Fire Shield?

Proven Effectiveness: Zone Zero Fire Shield has been tested in live fire situations, demonstrating its ability to keep homes safe while surrounding properties may burn. Our fire tests have shown that homes protected by the Zone Zero Fire Shield remain unharmed, even when exposed to extreme heat and high winds.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, which studies the key role of embers in home loss during wildfires, has also demonstrated the effectiveness of ember-resistant zones. In their 2023 report, the institute highlighted how homes surrounded by combustion-free zones, including non-combustible materials like stone or concrete, fared much better during embers' impact than those with combustible landscaping like plants, mulch, or wood fences.

This aligns directly with what Zone Zero Fire Shield offers—a comprehensive solution to create a fire-resistant zone around your home that protects not only against direct flames but also embers that pose the greatest threat.

Affordable Peace of Mind: The cost of replacing a home after a wildfire can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. By investing in the Zone Zero Fire Shield, you’re taking a proactive approach to protecting your home and everything inside it, including your most valuable possessions.

Insurance Benefits: Zone Zero Fire Shield works hand-in-hand with insurance companies to offer potential discounts on home insurance premiums. By reducing the risk of fire damage, you may qualify for reduced rates, making this fire protection solution even more affordable. As new “zone zero” regulations come into effect, homes that comply with these new ember-resistant guidelines may have a greater chance of receiving insurance approval, mitigating the risk of costly premiums or policy cancellation.

Community Impact: The Zone Zero Fire Shield isn’t just about protecting individual homes—it's about strengthening communities. With each deployment, we contribute to building stronger, more fire-resilient neighborhoods, ensuring that families can live safely in fire-prone regions. As experts like Kristina Hill from UC Berkeley point out, it's crucial to reframe our landscaping approaches and embrace fire-smart designs for the safety of everyone in these high-risk zones.

How to Get Started with Zone Zero Fire Shield

Getting started with Zone Zero Fire Shield is simple. The first step is to contact our team for a consultation, during which we will assess your property’s needs and determine the best course of action. Our team will then schedule a convenient time for the installation, ensuring that your home is fully protected before the wildfire season begins.