What the Eaton and Palisades Fires Reveal About Wildfire Risk in Marin’s Housing Stock

For construction professionals in Marin County, wildfire risk may not always be a primary concern—but it should be. Recent fires in Southern California provide critical lessons on how homes ignite and the importance of wildfire-resistant construction.

The Eaton Fire in Pasadena spread into a neighborhood of older homes, exposing the vulnerabilities of aging structures that predate modern wildfire codes. Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire ignited multiple homes in a newer development, proving that even recent construction is at risk if key fire-resistant features aren’t incorporated.

Marin County faces similar challenges, with over 70% of homes built before modern wildfire standards—leaving them highly susceptible to embers and direct flame exposure. A new report from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) highlights key factors that contribute to wildfire-driven home losses in LA:

• Aging Building Stock: Many homes were constructed before California’s Chapter 7A wildfire building standards (2008), making them vulnerable to ember intrusion and radiant heat.
• Close Structure Proximity: Homes separated by 8–14 feet saw rapid fire spread due to radiant heat transfer and ember ignition.
• Connective Fuels: Features like wooden fences, vehicles, and privacy hedges acted as conduits for fire, linking homes together.
• Roofing and Wind Vulnerabilities: While most roofs were noncombustible, extreme wind gusts (80–100 mph) during the Palisades Fire caused damage, increasing exposure to embers.

Builders, architects, and contractors have a growing opportunity—and responsibility—to enhance wildfire resilience in both new construction and retrofits. Key strategies include:

• Upgrading vents to prevent ember intrusion
• Using non-combustible or ignition-resistant siding and decking
• Installing Class A fire-rated roofing materials
• Ensuring proper defensible space around structures

As fire seasons intensify, construction professionals play a crucial role in adapting Marin’s housing stock to withstand wildfire threats. Fire Safe Marin offers guidance on best practices for home hardening and defensible space—resources that can help professionals build safer, more resilient communities.

Visit this link to read the full report "2025 LA County Wildfires Early Insights" from IBHS

For guidance on home hardening visit FireSafeMarin.org