How wildfires spread and why embers are the real risk

It’s Not the Flames That Get Most Homes… It’s the Embers.

When people picture a wildfire, they imagine a massive wall of flames.

But here’s the part most homeowners don’t realize:

Embers can travel miles ahead of the fire.

They land in:

• Gutters full of dry leaves

• Under decks

• In mulch beds

• On roofs

• Through attic vents

And that’s how many homes ignite — even if the main fire never directly touches the structure.

In Colorado, with our wind, dry air, and heavy fuel loads, ember exposure is a very real risk.

A few simple things can dramatically reduce your risk:

Clean gutters regularly

Use metal mesh over attic vents

Keep 5 feet around your home clear of combustibles

Move firewood away from the structure

You can’t control wildfire season.

But you can harden your home.

Let me know if would like to talk about this. We can talk about more ways to harden your home and protect it from wildfires.
Jared Ullrich, Ullrich Insurance