1. Create a defensible space: a 30 foot buffer zone with low lying plants or grass. Thin an additional 70 foot zone. (Farther for homes on slopes where fire spreads faster.)

2. Replace wood shingles with non-flammable materials: aluminum, cement shingle, tile or sheet metal.

3. Keep roof and gutters free of leaves, moss and pine needles.

4. Install electrical service lines underground.

5. Provide adequate water supply and pressure that reaches all sides of the house.

6. Regularly remove flammable vegetation.

7. Trim tree branches up to six feet from the ground.

8. Driveways provide emergency access. They should have fire breaks on both sides and should be not be too narrow, windy or steep for firetrucks to ascend and maneuver.

9. Store combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables, etc. away from the house.

10. Keep large trees spaced 10 feet apart. (Farther if on a slope.)

More on wildfires
Solutions: Fire Prevention
Federal Fire Sham
"We had to destroy the village to save it"
Wildfire Basics: Q&A with Dr. Tim Ingalsbee
Yellowstone: The Vital Role of Wildfires
U.S. Wildfire History