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Outdoor Fire Safety

Protect your home. 

A small wooden cabin by a forested lakeside with rocks and driftwood.

If you own a summer home or camp—especially in an area prone to wildfires or campfires—take steps now to safeguard your property. Fire safety begins with prevention, preparation, and creating defensible space. Use this practical checklist to help reduce your risk:

Maintain Defensible Space

A well-maintained property can slow the spread of fire and protect your structures:

  • Clear flammable debris such as leaves, pine needles, and other material from your roof, gutters, and around or under decks.
  • Keep your lawn trimmed and watered. If the grass is brown, mow it short to reduce potential fuel.
  • Prune trees so that the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet above the ground to prevent flames from climbing into the canopy.
  • Relocate combustible items such as construction materials, trash, and woodpiles at least 30 feet from your home or outbuildings.

Create zones of protection around your structure:

  •  0–5 feet (Immediate Zone): Keep this area nonflammable. Remove leaves, mulch, woodpiles, and flammable furniture. Consider using gravel, pavers, or fire-resistant plants.
  • 5–30 feet (Intermediate Zone): Mow grass, trim shrubs, and ensure tree branches don’t touch. Clear away excess vegetation.
  • 30–100 feet (Extended Zone): Thin trees and remove ladder fuels—brush or lower branches that can carry fire upward.

Tip: Don’t let a wooden fence connect directly to wooden structures. The last 5 feet between a fence and a building should be noncombustible, such as metal.

Use Fire-resistant Materials

Building with the right materials can make a significant difference in fire resistance:

  • Roof: Use Class A fire-rated materials such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles. Inspect regularly and replace any damaged or missing pieces. Use bird stops or cement to seal tile ends and block ember entry.
  • Siding and Decks: Choose fiber-cement, stucco, or treated wood. Enclose deck undersides and screen below decks and porches with 1/8-inch wire mesh to prevent debris buildup.
  • Windows: Install tempered glass or multi-pane windows that are more resistant to heat.
  • Vents: Cover attic and soffit vents with 1/8-inch wire mesh to keep sparks out.
  • Eaves: Enclose eaves to block embers from entering the home.

Prepare for Emergencies

Being ready can save lives:

  • Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in key locations.
  • Keep hoses, shovels, and rakes handy for emergency use.
  • Pack a go-bag with essentials in case you need to evacuate quickly.
  • Make sure your address is clearly visible from the road for first responders.
  • Monitor campfires and BBQs

Even small flames can spark big problems:

  • Use only designated fire pits or rings, and clear 10 feet around the area.
  • Never leave a fire or grill unattended.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
  • Completely extinguish fires: douse with water, stir the ashes, and make sure everything is cool to the touch.

Stay Aware of Local Conditions

Conditions can change quickly—stay alert:

  • Check for burn bans or fire weather alerts before starting any fire.
  • Avoid fireworks, sky lanterns, or sparking tools during dry or windy days.
  • Refrain from using equipment like chainsaws or mowers that could generate sparks in high-risk conditions.

Have a Communication Plan

Stay connected and ready to act:

  • Let friends or neighbors know when you’ll be staying at your summer home or camp.
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts, such as NY Alert or county-level systems.
  • Post emergency numbers clearly inside the home or cabin.

Take Action Now

Wildfire risk is real—but with the right steps, you can dramatically reduce the danger to your summer home or camp. Don’t wait for an emergency to prepare. Start today by clearing defensible space, upgrading materials, and making safety part of your routine. A few simple precautions now can make all the difference later.

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Safety message about using a grill outside, away from the house, with logos of FEMA and U.S. Fire Administration.
Road closed sign on a highway, message advises waiting for official clearance post-wildfire. Logos of FEMA, US Fire Administration, and a slogan.
Safety infographic advising to avoid ash, charred trees, and embers after a wildfire to prevent burns.
Illustration of a wildfire evacuation with a road sign, message to follow emergency instructions, and logos of FEMA, U.S. Fire Administration, and a fire safety campaign.
A graphic advising the use of nonflammable mulch, like stones, within 5 feet of a home to prevent fire spread.
Fire safety tip: Plant small, moist plants near windows, not large ones, to prevent fires spreading to your home. #FireSafety
A public safety message about evacuating promptly during a wildfire, with two animated people and a smoky background.
Illustration of a fence with a red "X" symbol and text advising against using parallel fences to prevent fire spread, with FEMA and US Fire logos.
An infographic suggesting to prepare an emergency bag for wildfire evacuation, showing supplies like water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight.
An infographic advising a 5+ feet metal or stone barrier between a fence and house to prevent fire spread.
A graphic advising to photograph property damage and contact insurance after a wildfire, with FEMA and other logos displayed.
A public safety message advising to check with authorities about home return and water safety after a wildfire.
A fire safety infographic advising keeping flammable materials at least 5 feet away from buildings.
An infographic about preventing careless wildfires, with a person dousing a campfire and text urging to ensure campfires are completely extinguished.
Safety message about using a grill outside, away from the house, with logos of FEMA and U.S. Fire Administration.
Road closed sign on a highway, message advises waiting for official clearance post-wildfire. Logos of FEMA, US Fire Administration, and a slogan.
Safety infographic advising to avoid ash, charred trees, and embers after a wildfire to prevent burns.
Illustration of a wildfire evacuation with a road sign, message to follow emergency instructions, and logos of FEMA, U.S. Fire Administration, and a fire safety campaign.
A graphic advising the use of nonflammable mulch, like stones, within 5 feet of a home to prevent fire spread.
Fire safety tip: Plant small, moist plants near windows, not large ones, to prevent fires spreading to your home. #FireSafety
A public safety message about evacuating promptly during a wildfire, with two animated people and a smoky background.
Illustration of a fence with a red "X" symbol and text advising against using parallel fences to prevent fire spread, with FEMA and US Fire logos.
An infographic suggesting to prepare an emergency bag for wildfire evacuation, showing supplies like water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight.
An infographic advising a 5+ feet metal or stone barrier between a fence and house to prevent fire spread.
A graphic advising to photograph property damage and contact insurance after a wildfire, with FEMA and other logos displayed.
A public safety message advising to check with authorities about home return and water safety after a wildfire.
A fire safety infographic advising keeping flammable materials at least 5 feet away from buildings.
An infographic about preventing careless wildfires, with a person dousing a campfire and text urging to ensure campfires are completely extinguished.