Builder’s Guide to
Construction in Wildfire
Zones
FEMA P-737
December 2025
PRE-DECISIONAL DRAFT – Not for Public Distribution or Release
,Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
This page intentionally left blank.
,Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Understanding Risk in the Wildland-Urban Interface .................................................... 2
1.2. Ignition and Fire Spread.................................................................................................. 3
1.3. Multi-Hazard Considerations .......................................................................................... 3
1.4. Hazard and Risk Assessments ....................................................................................... 4
2. Planning and Site Selection.......................................................................................................7
2.1. Topography ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.2. Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 8
2.3. Best Practices .................................................................................................................. 8
3. Defensible Space .................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. Key Issues ..................................................................................................................... 13
3.2. Best Practices ............................................................................................................... 14
4. Structural Hardening .............................................................................................................. 16
4.1. Roofs ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.2. Eaves, Roof Overhangs and Soffits ............................................................................. 21
4.3. Exterior Walls ................................................................................................................ 23
4.4. Vents ............................................................................................................................. 25
4.5. Windows and Skylights ................................................................................................ 29
4.6. Exterior Doors ............................................................................................................... 31
4.7. Foundations .................................................................................................................. 34
4.8. Decks and Other Attached Structures ........................................................................ 37
4.9. Landscape Fences and Walls ...................................................................................... 41
4.10. Utilities and Exterior Equipment .................................................................................. 44
4.11. Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 47
5. References and Resources .................................................................................................... 49
Acronyms and Abbreviations .......................................................................................................... 53
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, Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
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Construction in Wildfire
Zones
FEMA P-737
December 2025
PRE-DECISIONAL DRAFT – Not for Public Distribution or Release
,Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
This page intentionally left blank.
,Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Understanding Risk in the Wildland-Urban Interface .................................................... 2
1.2. Ignition and Fire Spread.................................................................................................. 3
1.3. Multi-Hazard Considerations .......................................................................................... 3
1.4. Hazard and Risk Assessments ....................................................................................... 4
2. Planning and Site Selection.......................................................................................................7
2.1. Topography ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.2. Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 8
2.3. Best Practices .................................................................................................................. 8
3. Defensible Space .................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. Key Issues ..................................................................................................................... 13
3.2. Best Practices ............................................................................................................... 14
4. Structural Hardening .............................................................................................................. 16
4.1. Roofs ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.2. Eaves, Roof Overhangs and Soffits ............................................................................. 21
4.3. Exterior Walls ................................................................................................................ 23
4.4. Vents ............................................................................................................................. 25
4.5. Windows and Skylights ................................................................................................ 29
4.6. Exterior Doors ............................................................................................................... 31
4.7. Foundations .................................................................................................................. 34
4.8. Decks and Other Attached Structures ........................................................................ 37
4.9. Landscape Fences and Walls ...................................................................................... 41
4.10. Utilities and Exterior Equipment .................................................................................. 44
4.11. Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 47
5. References and Resources .................................................................................................... 49
Acronyms and Abbreviations .......................................................................................................... 53
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