This little ember went to your attic.
This little ember flew into your house.
This little ember had a pile of leaves under your porch.
This little ember had none.
This little ember cried “Wee! Wee! Wee!” as it burned down your home.

Yes, it’s the embers from a wildfire that set most homes on fire. Not the flames from the main fire. Nor the heat.

Think of embers as flying baby fires looking for a place to nest and grow. And, you don’t have just one to worry about. A wildfire will generate millions, and winds may throw hundreds of thousands of these micro-infernos your way. They can fly as much as five miles to your home where they just need a tiny bit of fuel to grow into mature bonfires.

The good news is that you can protect your home against these tiny predators.

Look around you. Do you see places where embers could get in or nest right now? Maybe you see an open window. Or an unprotected attic vent. Or some nice dry mulch next to the deck. Are there pine needles on your roof or in your gutters? These are open invitations for hungry embers to roost.

What can you do now to prevent embers from finding a home in your home?

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For more insight on the dangers of embers:

• Embers happen!
• Here’s a stunning video of an ember-hardened house surviving an inferno that came right up to its front door.
• Here’s a checklist of things you can do to protect your home against embers: Prepare Your Home – UCANR Fire Network