The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) fire assessment prioritizes wildfire mitigation efforts on the home structure first, working outwards into the immediate landscaped area and gardens of your property. For instance, Zone 0 (zero), includes the home structure and the first 5 feet out from the home foundation and is the first of three zones emphasizing fire risk reductions for one’s home, so, it is void of any combustible or flammable material(s). Scientifically proven building materials science and brush mitigation practices are combined, tailored to those areas of vulnerability that focus on the reduction of specific types of wildfire risk on a homeowner’s property structure(s) and landscape. Risk reduction for wildfire threat(s) is appropriately undertaken using a HIZ fire assessment to increase fire safety and reduce risk of damage or destruction to one’s property.
Wildfire – Insurance discounts
Within the home ignition zone the defensible space area extends to 100 ft or more from the house structure and this is where fire mitigation requirements are undertaken on brush vegetation. Wildfire protection efforts occur on one’s home by implementing defensible space and other recommendations given in a HIZ assessment on a home-house property. These recommendations are very important fire mitigation efforts because most homes are damaged or destroyed by fire embers (firebrands) landing on or close to the house igniting either the home’s building materials, combustible objects placed within the 0 to 5 feet zone such as chairs/cushions etc.., or various vegetation types and flammable mulch products within this 0-5 feet zone by the home structure. Exemptions yet to be fully regulated upon are still under review. The HIZ assessment, is a set of practical recommendations of key mitigation areas that can be implemented on by either the homeowner, a homeowner’s contractor, handyman or gardener-landscaper to increase fire safety by reducing risk of home ignition. The HIZ fire assessment can reduce the risk of wildfire impacts when mitigation recommendations are undertaken before a wildfire. Wildfire preparedness and fire safety are increased, and insurance discounts can be attained as part of the homeowner’s wildfire insurance coverage. Wildfire mitigation specialists certified with specific training experience are qualified to undertake this fire assessment accredited by the National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.).
