How Far Can Fire Embers Travel?

Research consistently proves that embers—not direct flames—are responsible for igniting most homes during wildfires. 

Embers are small, burning fragments of vegetation or debris which have been picked up by strong winds; embers can be carried on the air, far beyond the main fire line.

In fact, embers can travel 2 - 3 miles ahead of a wildfire, igniting homes and structures that seemed to be safely distant from the flames.

For example, during the 2017 Tubbs Fire, embers traveled several miles ahead of the fire, igniting many homes and ultimately destroying thousands of structures. 

The Cedar Fire, in San Diego County, in 2003 saw embers igniting homes far ahead of the main blaze, contributing significantly to the loss of 2,820 structures.

How Quickly Can Embers Ignite a Home?

Once embers land on or near a home, ignition can happen shockingly fast.

Controlled tests by IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety) demonstrate that homes can be fully engulfed in flames in as little as 60 seconds, under certain conditions.

In these tests, when embers landed on combustible materials—like dry vegetation, wooden fences, and decks—the embers quickly ignited, spreading flames rapidly to the home itself. 

Protect Your Home from Embers

Given the extreme risk posed by embers, homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their homes.

The IBHS and wildfire safety experts recommend a multi-layered approach, beginning with a critical area known as the Noncombustible Zone (Zone 0).

1. Noncombustible Zone (Zone 0): Your First Line of Defense

According to IBHS research, embers accumulate most heavily within Zone 0, so it's a critical area for wildfire protection.

Zone 0 is the area extending at least 5 feet from your home's exterior walls.

One highly-effective strategy is to replace combustible landscaping & structures with noncombustible alternatives.

For example, swap out wooden landscaping features—such as wooden retaining walls, stairs, and mulch—with rocks, gravel, or stone.

This simple-yet-powerful change eliminates fuel sources for embers, creating a protective barrier around your home.

2. Fire-Resistant Roofing and Building Materials

Your home's roof is particularly vulnerable to ember ignition.

Using Class A fire-resistant roofing materials significantly reduces the risk of embers igniting your home. 

Similarly, siding, decking, and fencing made from noncombustible or fire-resistant materials provide additional protection.

3. Ember-Resistant Vents and Screens

Installing ember-resistant vents and screens prevents embers from entering attic spaces and crawlspaces, significantly reducing internal ignition risks.

IBHS recommends using vents with 1/8-inch or finer noncombustible mesh screens to block most embers effectively.

Embers Threaten 

Ember-driven ignitions are not limited to California or the western United States.

Nationwide, approximately one in three homes is located near wildland areas, placing millions of homes at risk.

Embers remain the primary ignition source for homes during wildfires, making ember mitigation essential for homeowners everywhere.

Summarizing Our Findings

Understanding how far fire embers can travel and how rapidly they can ignite homes is crucial for wildfire preparedness.

Embers can travel several miles, igniting homes in as little as 60 seconds. 

Homeowners can significantly reduce their fire risk by creating a robust Noncombustible Zone (Zone 0), and by getting ember-resistant vent screens for their home's awning vents.

Remember, the most dangerous wildfire threat isn't always the flames you see—it's the embers you don't.