What we’ve learned—and how we’re protecting our homes, too.

We live in Los Angeles. Our families live here. Like many of you, we’ve watched wildfires get closer every year—and we’ve had close friends and neighbors lose everything. So this topic isn’t abstract. We’re not writing this from a distance. We’re in it with you.

At Livingston Built, fire-resilient design has become personal. We’ve been researching, rebuilding, and rethinking how to make homes safer—starting with our own. Here’s what we’ve learned, and what we recommend if you’re building new, remodeling, or just looking to upgrade your home’s defenses.

1. Choose Fire-Resistant Materials

The most effective defense starts with smart material choices:

• Roofing: Go with non-combustible materials like metal, clay tile, or high-rated shingles

• Siding: Fiber cement, stucco, and brick perform well under heat

• Windows: Use tempered, dual-pane glass—it’s far more resistant to cracking from radiant heat

2. Defensible Space Isn’t Just for Hillside Homes

Creating buffer zones around your home slows the spread of fire:

• Zone 1 (0–30 ft): Keep it lean and clean—no dry brush, trimmed trees, irrigated groundcover

• Zone 2 (30–100 ft): Use fire-wise plants (like succulents), and maintain spacing between larger trees

3. Embers Are the Real Threat

Most homes ignite from embers, not direct flames. Focus on sealing up weak points:

• Vents: Use ember-resistant vents with 1/8" mesh

• Eaves/soffits: Box them in with fire-resistant material

• Decks & understructures: Store nothing underneath and use ignition-resistant boards

4. Landscape With Fire in Mind

• Plants: Opt for low-sap, low-oil species—California native doesn’t always mean fire-safe

• Mulch: Keep wood mulch away from structures—use stone or gravel in Zone 1

• Spacing: Break up plantings to slow fire spread and make firefighting easier

5. Make Access Easier for Fire Crews

• Driveways: Clear, wide driveways are a huge help in an emergency

• Water: If possible, have external access to a hose bib, pool, or water tank

The Takeaway:

This is about more than building trends. It’s about protecting what matters most—your home, your people, your future. We’re doing this work ourselves, and we’re committed to helping others do the same. If you’re thinking about upgrades, rebuilds, or just need advice—we’re here.