Most homes that burn didn’t have to

Wildfires are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more unpredictable. But the research is clear: homes in even the highest-risk areas can survive — if the right steps are taken in advance.

This book cuts through the noise with strategies grounded in real-world firefighting experience and the FireSmart program.

A complete framework — not just a checklist

• The science of wildfires: how fires spread and why embers are the silent threat most homeowners miss
• Creating defensible space: vegetation management at 5, 30, and 100 feet with specific, actionable steps
• Zone Zero: keeping the immediate area around your home free of fuel — the single highest-impact action you can take
• Fire-resistant plants and materials for landscaping that looks good and protects your home
• Exterior water suppression systems: models, installation tips, and when they make sense
• A step-by-step vulnerability assessment for your specific property
• Emergency preparation: exactly what to do — and when to leave — as a wildfire approaches
• Government programs and aid to help offset the cost of fire-proofing your property

Written by someone who has been there

K. R. Wallace — Kevin Wallace

Kevin Wallace is a firefighter and certified FireSmart Coordinator with years of hands-on experience in wildfire risk management across Western Canada.

His work in the FireSmart program has given him a front-row view of what separates homes that survive from those that don’t.

Firefighter

Years of active service in wildfire response and community protection

FireSmart Coordinator

Certified in Canada’s national wildfire risk reduction program