Scientific American just published an article on How to Build a Wildfire-Resistant House | Scientific American.
For us in Berkeley, the facts in the paper are not groundbreaking. However, they do support all the recommendations we are getting from BFD.
Here are some of them specifically for the roof area:
source: Scientific American
- roofs cleared from debris
- noncombustible exhaust/roof vents
- screened attic vents
- enclosed soffits (with fire-resistant materials)
- non-combustible gutters and spouts
- gutter screens
More recommendations for the wall area:
source: Scientific American
- non-combustible 6" ground clearance
- fiber cement siding better than vinyl better than wood siding
The whole article is solidly grounded in science, and worth a read: