Strengthening Home Resilience in Lake County

Deanna Fernweh thanked Supervisor Jessica Pyska for supporting NCO and for the grant opportunity to “benefit Lake County and increase the safety of our residents.” Fernweh explained that this is a “grant that has never been done before. Lake County is one of the most vulnerable regions in the state. 60% of our community has been impacted by devastating wildfires and the threat is real all-year round now. With this grant, NCO combats wildfire through helping Lake County communities to harden their homes, focusing on ember intrusion. When homes are hardened collectively, they slow the spread of wildfires.”

After studying 11 communities, Cal OES and CAL FIRE selected Kelseyville Riviera for its prime home hardening pilot. Fernweh described the progress shown on the map, explaining “the resiliency is really starting to grow. We will really be able to see the impact once we harden 500 homes. The first year was a big learning curve, we only hardened 24 homes. We are now moving at a faster pace, with 50 homes this next year.”

NCO’s program supports all residents by offering:

1. Homeowner education.

2. Free two-hour individualized home assessments highlighting vulnerabilities.

3. Funding for home hardening, free for vulnerable households.

Fernweh emphasized home hardening is crucial at any budget. Her top advice for tight budgets:  swap vents for ⅛-inch non-combustible mesh. Other key recommendations:

1. Maximize defensible space, particularly in Zone 0, which is immediately adjacent to buildings.

2. Replace window screens.

3. Use green reflective address plaques to aid fire responders.

4. Clean debris under decks, and enclose if possible.

5. Clear roofs and gutters.

6. Add garage gasketing to prevent flammable materials.

7. Upgrade siding, enclose eaves, install double-pane, double-tempered windows.

8. Replace roofs when possible.

Fernweh also shared additional resources for Lake County homeowners to harden their homes:

1. Visit the CAL FIRE website.

2. Visit readyforwildfire.org to help spot fire vulnerabilities.

3. See how to qualify for a wildfire prepared homes certificate here.

4. Visit NCO.

Through the Home Hardening Program, NCO collaborates closely with Cal OES and CAL FIRE. Fernweh stressed that proactive strategies and community engagement reduce wildfire risk. District 2 Board Supervisor Bruno Sabatier shared that the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) praised NCO’s innovative work. Fernweh thanked all partners, including J. Lopez, Executive Director of the California Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP) for advancing home safety.

Lopez emphasized that home hardening is essential for everyone. He explained that the CWMP “encourages cost-effective wildfire structure hardening and retrofitting,” aiming to make it accessible, especially for low-income and socially vulnerable homeowners. “We have completed projects focused on wildfire home retrofitting and defensible space. Our first grant was awarded in Lake County in 2023, so we have accomplished a lot in a short time.” He added that 2024 was a strong year due to NCO’s partnership in developing a robust program model to help California communities create safer, fire-resistant homes for the future.

To watch the presentation, click here