Articles

A collection of Fire Safe Marin’s most popular and relevant articles about preparing your family, home, yard, and community for wildfire.

  • The Soffits Solution

    Soffits and eaves

    Eaves and Soffits are vulnerable to damage from wildfires due to accumulation of hot gasses.  Make sure the vents have openings that are 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch, small enough to stop embers from entering.  Learn how you can address the issues that can make your home vulnerable to wildfire.

  • Fence Recommendations for Wildfire

    Fire resistant fencing

    Home hardening and defensible space are scientifically proven to help protect your home from wildfire. One area that often gets overlooked are fences. Here are our top fence recommendations for wildfire.

  • Junk the Juniper

    dry juniper bush

    Juniper is a fire-prone plant that is in many Marin yards. Fire-fighters often refer to it as a gasoline bush! Learn why you should reconsider having it near your house.

  • The Science of Mulch

    Plots of mulch

    The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) is funding a study to determine the relative combustibility of various popular mulch products. Choosing the right mulch in wildfire prone areas is important to home safety. Learn more about the study. 

  • The Defensible Space Inspection Report and Why You Should Open It

    Home inspector talking to home owner next to house

    The home inspection report is customized to YOUR property and contains:

    • A prioritized mitigation checklist of wildfire risks found on your property by your local fire inspector (including seasonal issues)
    • Pictures of exact issues on your property
    • Map images of locations of issues on your property
    • Financial assistance and access to cost-free chipping services via ChipperDay for specific issues found

  • Interagency Defensible Space Program

    Defensible space inspector looking at bush with home owner

    Check out the 2023 season highlights from the interagency Defensible Space Inspection Program of Marin County Fire Department, Ross Valley Fire Department, Kentfield Fire Protection District, Central Marin Fire Department, and Southern Marin Fire Protection District.

  • State of Wildfire Preparedness in Marin

    woman sitting in the hills of Marin

    Learn how Marin is preparing for wildfire.

  • Red Flag Warnings: Do’s & Don’ts

    Ariel map of Marin with text overlaid "red flag warning"

    Red Flag Warning Days give us a warning that the weather conditions are right for extreme wildfire events. These warnings are issued by the National Weather Service and go out to the Marin community through Nixle, news outlets, social media, and signs posted on major roads and intersections. Learn what actions to take and avoid when a Red Flag Warning is issued.

  • Marin’s Fire Experts Speak Out

    The top 5 takeaways from talking to Marin’s leading fire officials about the tragedy in Maui.

  • Monthly Fire Smart Reminders from Marin Master Gardeners

    Person trimming tree limbs with hand saw

    Feeling overwhelmed and need a place to start? Check out our monthly tips for actionable, affordable ways to reduce fuel on your property. Marin Master Gardeners fire-smart landscaping tips are a reminder to homeowners to plan and maintain their homes and landscapes with awareness of the threat of wildfires.