Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about wildfire mitigation and our services
1What is wildfire mitigation and why is it important?
Wildfire mitigation involves taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your property. This includes creating defensible space, hardening your home against ember intrusion, and removing combustible materials. With increasing wildfire threats in California's foothill communities, mitigation is essential for protecting your home, family, and property value.
2How much does a wildfire risk assessment cost?
We offer free wildfire risk assessments for all properties in our service area. During the assessment, our team evaluates your property's vulnerabilities and provides recommendations for mitigation strategies. There's no obligation to proceed with services after the assessment.
3What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve foothill communities in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas. Contact us to confirm if we service your specific location. We're committed to protecting our local communities where wildfire risk is highest.
4What is defensible space and how much do I need?
Defensible space is the buffer zone between your home and surrounding vegetation. California law requires two zones: 0-30 feet (immediate zone with strict clearance) and 30-100 feet (reduced fuel zone). We help create and maintain both zones according to local fire codes and best practices.
5What is ember intrusion and how do you prevent it?
Ember intrusion is when wind-blown embers from a wildfire enter your home through vents, gaps, or accumulate in debris. It's the #1 cause of home ignition during wildfires. We prevent it by installing ember-resistant vent screens, sealing gaps, cleaning gutters, and replacing combustible materials around your home's immediate zone.
6Do I need permits for wildfire mitigation work?
Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. Generally, vegetation clearance and gutter cleaning don't require permits, but structural modifications (like vent replacement or deck rebuilding) may. We can advise on local requirements and help coordinate permit applications when needed.
7How often should defensible space be maintained?
Defensible space requires ongoing maintenance, typically quarterly or seasonally depending on vegetation growth rates. We offer maintenance plans to keep your property compliant year-round. High-risk periods (late spring through fall) require extra attention.
8Will wildfire mitigation guarantee my home won't burn?
No service can guarantee complete protection from wildfire. However, proper mitigation significantly reduces risk. Homes with defensible space and ember-resistant features have dramatically higher survival rates during wildfires. Our goal is to give your home the best possible chance of surviving a fire event.
9Can I do wildfire mitigation myself?
Many homeowners can handle basic tasks like debris removal and simple vegetation management. However, working at heights (roof/gutter cleaning), tree removal, and structural modifications are best left to professionals for safety and quality. We're happy to advise on DIY-friendly tasks during your free assessment.
10What's the difference between home hardening and defensible space?
Home hardening involves upgrading the structure itself (ember-resistant vents, fire-resistant materials, sealed gaps). Defensible space focuses on the area around your home (vegetation management, fuel reduction). Both are essential for comprehensive wildfire protection.
11How long does mitigation work take?
Timeline varies based on property size and scope of work. A typical home hardening project takes 1-3 days. Defensible space creation can take 2-5 days depending on vegetation density. We provide detailed timelines during the assessment and planning phase.
12Do you offer financing or payment plans?
We work with clients to find affordable payment solutions. Some homeowners insurance policies offer discounts for wildfire mitigation, which can offset costs. Contact us to discuss payment options and potential insurance savings for your specific situation.
13What happens during a free assessment?
Our team visits your property to evaluate wildfire vulnerabilities, including vegetation, structural features, and surrounding topography. We'll identify priority areas, explain the three wildfire threats (ember intrusion, radiant heat, direct flame), and provide a customized mitigation plan with cost estimates. The assessment typically takes 30-60 minutes.
14Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. FFSM is licensed, bonded, and insured (License #660690). We carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Certificates of insurance can be provided upon request.
15What makes FFSM different from other contractors?
Our partnership combines architectural expertise, custom building experience, and community-focused operations. We're local residents who experienced the Eaton Fires firsthand, so we understand the urgency and importance of wildfire mitigation. We provide turnkey solutions from assessment to implementation to ongoing maintenance.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Contact us for personalized answers about your property's wildfire mitigation needs.