06/02/2026
The 2026 U.S. fire season is off to an unusually early and intense start, with nearly 2 million acres burned by late April and forecasts predicting 5.5 to 8 million acres could burn nationwide.
Simple home hardening recommendations from state fire experts:
• Space trees and prune them to prevent fire from climbing up them and onto structures.
• Remove leaves, pine needles, mulch and other debris within 100 feet of structures or up to the property line.
• Clean roofs and gutters.
• Move combustible materials like mulch and firewood away from structures.
• Trim dead material from plants and trees, especially near the house.
• Do not plant directly under eaves. Leave at least a five-foot buffer between plants and structures.
