Is Your Fallbrook Home In a Fire Hazard Zone? Escape Brush Fires and Sell Your House Quickly

If you’re a San Diego native, you’re no stranger to the danger of fires. Some states may not realize the danger because they’re used to hurricanes or tornadoes, but here, the dry desert climate and scorching hot summer days can lead to the perfect disaster. Brush fires don’t discriminate in San Diego County, but of the many cities, Fallbrook has been on fire more than some others. Do you remember how horrible the fire season was in 2014? The Tomahawk fire in the Northeast section of Camp Pendleton burned more than 6,000 acres and forced evacuations of surrounding areas, including Fallbrook. Then, there were another two brush fires that began mid-August in 2016. Followed by more brush fires near the I-15 Freeway in Fallbrook not too long after. If you live in Fallbrook and have been lucky enough to avoid close encounters with fires, we could guess that you’re still aware of the potential dangers.

Fire Hazard Zones- Is Your Home Safe from Embers?

Location

Unfortunately, most of what makes your home susceptible to potential fire damage are out of your control. Studies show that the location of your home plays the biggest role in being in danger, specifically where the home is placed on the landscape. Contrary to what someone may think, the vegetation doesn’t play as much of a role in the likelihood to burn as does the location. A common denominator among many of the homes that have burned in California are homes located on steep slopes (with wind corridors) and in low-density developments. Because much of Fallbrook (especially East County) is more rural, low-density developments are not hard to find.

Homes are Flammable

The biggest threat to homes catching fire is embers. Flying embers can travel great distances, up to a mile, and ignite nearby homes. Fires will find weak points in your home and expose them. Even if the home has excessive defensive space (which helps in the event of a fire), there is only so much you can do if embers enter your attic. Embers in your attic vents can ignite anything that is flammable and carry fire throughout your home and in surrounding areas (wood stacks or fencing, even litter in your gutter). The best you can do to prevent damage from fires is to reduce flammable materials by installing flame-resistant vents, and newer roofs, and removing things that are flammable from your exterior.

Defensible Space

Having defensible space around your home will give you a chance in the event of a fire. What does this mean? Take a look at your home and the surrounding vegetation- reduce the number of trees and shrubs (wood cover) that are hanging over your home or directly adjacent to your property. The most important treatment zone around your house is the area between 16-58 feet of the perimeter. But, keep in mind that experts don’t recommend removing all wood cover around your home- removing 40% is what’s recommended in preventative action.

Ultimately, there isn’t one solution to fire risk that will provide protection guaranteed. There are some things that you can’t change, (like the location of your home), and some circumstances can’t possibly be foreseen.

Sell Fast and Escape Fire Risk or Fire Damage

Whether you’ve been in the fire danger zone for too long and you’re worried your luck won’t last, or you’ve already seen the devastating effects of a brush fire on your own home – we can help you by purchasing your house. By selling direct, you can sell your house exactly as it is- no matter what the defensible space is or if your home has suffered fire damage. We won’t ask questions because we can buy your house no matter why you’re choosing to sell. If you’re in a fire hazard zone, first-time buyers may be a bit skeptical about purchasing your property. Plus, some homeowners may not want to have to think about purchasing wildfire insurance. No matter what route you choose to take if you’re considering selling, we can help you sell fast (whether it’s with us or not).