Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make During Fire Season Prep in San Bernardino County

Living in San Bernardino County means beautiful mountain views, fresh air—and unfortunately, the growing threat of wildfires. Fire season can hit hard and fast, and preparation is essential.

While many homeowners know the basics, critical mistakes are often made that leave properties vulnerable. Here are the top 5 missteps to avoid—and what you should do instead to keep your home safe.

Mistake #1: Thinking “It Won’t Happen to Me”

Complacency is one of the biggest dangers. Many homeowners assume that because they’re not in a known fire zone—or haven’t experienced a fire before—they’re not at risk.

San Bernardino County has seen an increase in wildfires due to drought, winds, and overgrown vegetation. No area is immune.

What to Do Instead:
Stay alert. Sign up for San Bernardino County emergency alerts, and treat every fire season seriously—even if your property seems safe.

Mistake #2: Not Creating a Proper Defensible Space

A few feet of cleared brush won’t cut it. CAL FIRE recommends a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around your home.

Common oversights include:

• Letting weeds grow under decks or near walls
• Stacking firewood too close to the house
• Ignoring tree limbs that hang over the roof

What to Do Instead:
Create zones around your property:

• 0–5 feet: Keep this area ember-resistant. Remove mulch, clear gutters, and avoid flammable plants.
• 5–30 feet: Space trees and remove dead vegetation.
• 30–100 feet: Mow grasses and maintain wide clearance between trees and structures.

Mistake #3: Focusing Only on the House (Not What’s Around It)

Fire protection isn’t just about the house itself—it’s also about what surrounds it.

Mistakes include:

• Leaving outdoor furniture or cushions out (they’re flammable!)
• Not covering vents where embers can enter
• Letting debris build up in gutters, under porches, or behind sheds

What to Do Instead:

• Install ember-resistant vent covers
• Store flammable items indoors
• Regularly clear leaves, pine needles, and trash from gutters and rooftops

Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to Clear Weeds, Junk, or Debris

In fire-prone areas like Big Bear, Yucca Valley, and the high desert, waiting until a fire warning hits is too late. Weed growth explodes during spring and can become a fire hazard by summer.

What to Do Instead:

• Schedule weed abatement in early spring
• Use professional junk removal services to clear old furniture, broken equipment, or yard waste
• Keep a monthly outdoor checklist for the fire season

Mistake #5: Not Having an Evacuation Plan or Emergency Kit

Even with great preparation, sometimes the safest action is to leave. Many families aren’t ready to evacuate quickly.

Common mistakes:

• No go-bag ready
• Not knowing multiple escape routes
• Forgetting to plan for pets

What to Do Instead:

• Prepare a 3-day emergency kit with water, food, medications, and documents
• Create and practice a family evacuation plan
• Keep pet carriers and supplies handy

Final Thoughts

Fire season in San Bernardino County isn’t just a possibility—it’s a yearly reality. Avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference between a protected home and a preventable loss.

Need Help Clearing Brush, Junk, or Overgrown Weeds?
We specialize in pre-fire season cleanouts, junk removal, and property cleanup in the San Bernardino Mountains and desert communities.

Call us today to book a weed abatement or junk haul-away service—and protect what matters most.