The Firewise Project Library brings together educational resources and reference materials about defensible space and home hardening projects. These projects are intended to help reduce wildfire risk and improve community resilience. Wildfire mitigation is generally most effective when many property owners participate. Some projects may be suitable for coordinated efforts among neighbors or Sub-HOAs, where appropriate; each homeowner should consider the conditions and requirements that apply to their own property.
Important Notice: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Regulations, building and fire codes, insurance requirements, and agency recommendations may change. OVA does not interpret or replace requirements issued by governmental agencies, insurers, or other authorities. Homeowners are responsible for complying with applicable laws, OVA governing documents, and insurance requirements, and should consult the appropriate governmental agencies, qualified licensed professionals, the OVA Architectural Office, and their insurance carriers about their individual properties.
These two articles discuss how community participation can support wildfire mitigation efforts:
- Why Homes Burn in a Wildfire — Source: OVA Firewise Resource Task Force
- The Potential Benefits of Community-wide Wildfire Mitigation Efforts — Source: OVA Firewise Resource Task Force
“All-in-One” Project Guides
These guides combine multiple related mitigation projects into a single document:
- Creating Defensible Space to Help Survive a Wildfire Ember Storm — Source: California Fire Safe Council
- Is Your Home Hardened to Survive a Wildfire Ember Storm? — Source: California Fire Safe Council
- Low Cost Retrofit List — Source: CAL FIRE
Specific Project Guides
Defensible Space Projects:
- Zone Zero At-a-Glance — Source: CAL FIRE
- Immediate Noncombustible Zone Fact Sheet — Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Decks Fact Sheet — Source: NFPA
- Fencing Fact Sheet — Source: NFPA
Home Hardening Projects:
- Attic and Crawl Space Vents Fact Sheet — Source: NFPA
- Foundation and Attic Vents Article — Source: OVA Firewise Resource Task Force
- Under-Eave Construction Fact Sheet — Source: NFPA
- Roofing Materials Fact Sheet — Source: NFPA
- Skylights Fact Sheet — Source: NFPA
- Gutters and Downspouts Technical Fact Sheet — Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Eaves, Overhangs and Soffits Technical Fact Sheet — Source: FEMA
Collaborating on Firewise Projects
Where appropriate, neighbors and Sub-HOAs may wish to coordinate mitigation projects while considering individual property conditions, governing documents, approvals, and professional or agency advice. For additional background, see “Does herd immunity work for wildfire?” — Source: Nathan Wittasek (external article).
Reporting Your Projects
The Homeowner Reporting Form (Source: Firewise USA) helps OVA document community wildfire mitigation activities and investments in support of Oakmont’s continued Firewise USA® recognition. Please report eligible completed projects using the form.
Firewise Actions and Resources
Recommendations for how to reduce the risks to loss of life and property during a wildfire are available on the Firewise Actions page. Additional information about defensible space, home hardening and homeowners insurance is available on the Firewise Resources page.
Related Resources
- Firewise Landscape Policy — OVA
- Architectural Guidelines, Standards & Use Restrictions — OVA
- Santa Rosa Fire Department — City of Santa Rosa
- Defensible Space and Home Hardening — CAL FIRE
- Evacuation Zone Look-Up Tool — City of Santa Rosa