Fire Spread Pathways

There are dozens of pathways for fire to spread through communities. Even just one vulnerability can ignite a structure, potentially leading to the ignition of numerous additional structures and the loss of an entire community. Pathways often differ depending on the type of exposure, therefore, a home must be protected from both embers and fire.

The animation below shows an example fire spread pathway between neighboring parcels. Note that while Residence B is protected by a safe Structure Separation Distance, SSD, between the structure and gazebo, and installation of a non-combustible fence, the fire can still spread to the neighboring structure.

1. Embers ignite gazebo located away from Residence B
2. Fire spreads from the gazebo and ignites wood fence
3. Fire spreads along a wood fence and ignites an RV parked on the property
4. RV fire ignites wood deck
5. Wood deck fire ignites home

Parcel-level combustible components (primary or neighboring parcels)

Additional examples of fire spread pathways

* Numerous fire spread pathways among neighboring properties via linear features and other combustibles from a single ignition point (B).

* Fire can spread along combustibles like fences and shrubs (A)

* Fire can spread along fences and ignite sheds which can ignite home (B)

* Fire can spread along parallel fence and mulch beds and ignite homes shrubs, and sheds which can spread fire to homes across properties.