harden your home against wildfire

What is Home Hardening?

“Hardening a Home” is the process of reducing a home’s risk to wildfire by using non-combustible building materials, keeping the area around your home free of debris and taking steps to prevent embers from entering the home.
Taking measures to harden (prepare) your home can help increase its likelihood of survival when wildfire strikes.

How homes ignite

Structures ignite during wildfires as a result of one or more of these three wildfire exposures: embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact.

Embers - the most common home ignition source.
- Wind-borne embers can blow more than a mile away from a wildfire and are a leading cause of home ignitions during these events.
- Embers can ignite dead vegetation next to your house or on your house, causing significant damage.
Radiant heat - if fire is close enough to combustible material, or the radiant heat is high enough, an ignition will most likely result.
Direct flame contact - home-to-home spread of fire has become more common as separation between homes is decreasing.

Truckee Fire’s REBATE PROGRAM

The Truckee Fire Protection District is offering rebates up to $500 for home hardening upgrades.

To qualify, you must complete an approved home hardening project based on an inspection. Once the project is finished and your application is approved, you can receive up to 50% of the cost, with a maximum rebate of $500.

Since home hardening and defensible space are closely related, applicants must also address any existing zone 0 defensible space issues.

Keep reading for more details.

how to participate

Jump to:

schedule an inspection

Access my report

apply for rebate

rebate guidelines & FAQ

Program handout

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Schedule a defensible space inspection or call 530-582-7888.
If you’ve already had an inspection? Access your report online or call us for a printed copy.

2. Complete the Upgrades

Review the Home Hardening Recommendations in your report and complete upgrades.
Ensure you have resolved all defensible space issues within 5 feet of your structure.

3. Request the Rebate

Collect your receipts and photos, then submit your application through your report.
Click the “Rebates” tab and create a login to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

Only existing, permitted structures are eligible (no new construction; no outbuildings or sheds).
ZONE ZERO (the first 5 feet around your home) must be free of:
- Combustible mulch, firewood and high fire hazard plants
- Pine needles/leaf litter on the roof, gutters, deck, or ground
- Tree limbs overhanging or touching the roof, eaves, or siding
- All combustible materials (construction material, etc.)
- Unmaintained vegetation with dead branches or leaves

Eligible Upgrades

Truckee Fire encourages residents to make upgrades that improve wildfire resilience, and may help with insurance.

Homeowners are responsible for obtaining permits and design approvals:
- Contact your Homeowners Association.
- Check with your jurisdiction (Nevada Co., Town of Truckee, Placer Co.)

Eligible Expenses