The 6-Step Walk-Through
Dry leaves, pine needles, and Eucalyptus debris collect in gutters for months. One ember lands, smolders, then ignites the litter. The fire then creeps under the eave and into the attic.
What we can't tell you hereThe exact roof valley and gutter spots most likely to ignite on your property, given its slope, surrounding vegetation, and the way fire historically moves through your canyon.
Standard attic, crawlspace, and eave vents are designed to move air. A thumb-sized ember passes through 1/4-inch mesh and into attic insulation. Once it's inside the structure, you have minutes before a real fire is underway.
What we can't tell you hereWhich of your vents are at highest ignition risk. Most homeowners we walk through find at least one vent they did not know was a weak point.
Cushions, throw pillows, doormats, planters, and decorative items are some of the most flammable objects on a property. In Santa Ana winds, any of them can blow against the walls and ignite the structure.
Decks, railings, fences, doors, exposed framing, and any vegetation pressed against the house can catch from a single ember. Once it does, the fire climbs straight into siding, eaves, and window frames.
What we can't tell you hereThe exact placement of every combustible structure element on your lot, and how your fire approach changes which ones matter most.
Even intact glass transmits radiant heat into the room. That heat ignites curtains, furniture, or anything close to the window from the inside.
Private fire equipment only protects the home when someone on scene can find it and use it. A neighbor staying behind or a fire crew arriving should not have to go searching.
What we can't tell you hereThe optimal staging point given your specific water flow, hose reach, and fire approach direction. We work this out for each homeowner during the free property walk-through.
Then: Evacuate or Stay?
Once the walk-through is complete, the next decision is the most important one of the day. Evacuation is almost always the right call. Staying is rarely the right choice and should never be improvised in the moment.
You Evacuate
Once the walk-through is complete, leave. Quickly, calmly, with what you actually need.
- Know two evacuation routes out of the area before fire season starts. Choose them in advance.
- Grab your go-bag: documents, medications, phone chargers, photos, cash, change of clothes.
- Bring pets and pet supplies: carriers, leashes, food, medications.
- Park facing outward in the driveway with keys accessible.
- Agree on a family meeting point outside the fire area in advance.
- Do not return until officials say it is safe.
Someone Stays Behind
Staying is rarely the right choice. If a household member has chosen in advance to remain, the goal is small ember suppression only, not fighting active fire.
- Do not try to fight an active flame front. Shelter inside and focus afterward on ignition points.
- Wear long sleeves, pants, boots, gloves, eye protection, and a respirator mask.
- Keep multiple escape routes open. Park facing out.
- Stay in radio or phone contact with someone outside the fire area.
- Watch the home for small ignitions only. Suppress with water before they grow.
- Leave immediately if conditions deteriorate, smoke obscures escape routes, or you feel unsafe, and there is still a safe escape route.
Most homes that survive a wildfire are saved by someone on scene with the right water at the right time, putting out small ignitions before they grow. Whether that person is the homeowner, a neighbor, or an arriving first responder depends on preparation done before fire season.
What this walk-through can't do
This page is one of the most useful resources a Malibu homeowner can have. But it is general guidance built for any property. It cannot answer the questions that matter most for your home.
What it can do:
- Give you a sequenced 30 to 60 minute pre-evacuation walk-through
- Cover the universal entry points embers find on most structures
- Help you decide between evacuation and staying behind
What it can't do:
- Tell you which direction fire is most likely to approach your specific property
- Tell you which corner of your home is most exposed given your terrain and prevailing winds
- Measure your actual water pressure and flow rate at the hose
- Identify the gap in your fire prep that no one has pointed out to you
- Tell you where private fire equipment should be staged on your specific lot
- Help you build a plan you can hand to a neighbor who returns early
- What is the real water pressure at your hose, not the city estimate?
- Which side of your house faces the canyon fire would actually use?
- Is there a gap in your fire prep that no one has told you about?
- Could your neighbor or a first responder defend your home if you have evacuated?
These are the questions we answer in the free property walk-through. 30 minutes on your property. Water pressure measured. Fire approach mapped. Brush clearance and home hardening reviewed. A written wildfire defense plan in your hands by the end of the week. Yours to keep whether you ever spend a dollar with us or not.
"The Hainy Hydrant I installed provided the water needed to save my house and two of my neighbors during the Palisades Fire."
Brent Woodworth · Chairman, LA Emergency Preparedness Foundation · Pacific Palisades
Book a Free Property Walk-Through
30 minutes on your property with Matt Haines or a member of his team. Water pressure measured, fire approach mapped, complete written fire defense plan. No cost. No obligation. Spring slots open now.
Book My Free Assessment Or call: 424.425.6804