The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ)
What is it, and why is it important?
Although we can’t escape the dangers of wildfires, and their rise in rate, we can take measures as home or business owners to protect our assets.
The concept of the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) was developed by retired USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite due to the effects of wildfire and combustion. There are Three sub-zones which comprise the HIZ, those being the immediate zone, the intermediate zone, and the extended zone.
The Home Ignition Zone is an area 100-200 feet from the foundation and includes surrounding vegetation, the home or business itself, and other structures or attachments like decks, furniture, fences, and outbuildings.
The Immediate Zone or Non-combustible Zone is 0-5 feet from the home, including the home or business. This zone is most vulnerable to fire brands or embers. Fire brands are the number one threat to home ignition. Property owners can implement many simple and cost effective actions such as removing combustible debris adding vent screens with smaller openings, removing stored materials under decks and much more. Home hardening or structure hardening is an essential component within the the HIZ.
The Intermediate Zone is 5-30 feet from the home. Use carefully selected landscaping and spacing to reduce the continuity of fuels which interrupt low intensity fire travel to the home or business.
The Extended Zone is 30-100 feet or more from the home. Space and prune larger trees and vegetation to reduce fire intensity, radiant heat and to interrupt fire’s path.
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