Areas below the ground line, such as under the porch should also be screened. Protection begins with property evaluation. Some areas are less naturally fire safe than others. Narrow canyons, for example, draw fire like natural chimneys and accelerate the fire's rate. Choose a level area for construction.
Fire spreads rapidly, even on minor slopes.
Property and roadways should be clearly marked. Home builders should minimize the size and number of windows on the side of the house that would likely be exposed to a fire. Windows should not face trees or shrubs that are closer than 30 feet away. Use fire resistant plants. Trim dead or low-hanging branches from trees and shrubs.