Wildfire season has a way of focusing your to-do list when you live in the hills above Caledonia. The views are incredible, but wind and steep slopes can carry embers to your doorstep. You want a practical plan that protects your home and supports resale value without guesswork. Here is a clear path to the highest-impact upgrades, local grants, and steps that work in Sausalito. Let’s dive in.
Why wildfire-smart upgrades matter
Southern Marin fire agencies actively inspect defensible space and home hardening, and many homeowners receive a report with specific recommendations. Most homes are lost to embers, so stopping ember entry and clearing fuels near the house are your biggest wins. CAL FIRE’s guidance centers on combining structural hardening with smart landscaping that reduces ignition risk. You can reference the full statewide checklist in CAL FIRE’s Home Hardening guide.
High-impact home upgrades
Roof and vents
Your roof is the largest ember catcher on the property. Keep it clean and consider Class A fire-rated roofing when you replace. Install State Fire Marshal–approved ember-resistant vents or screen vents with 1/16–1/8 inch metal mesh to block embers.
Eaves and soffits
Open eaves and gaps can pull embers into the attic. Enclose eaves where practical and seal cracks at soffits and fascia. Use listed ember-resistant vents and confirm airflow needs before making changes.
Windows and doors
Heat can break single panes and allow embers inside. Upgrade to dual-pane tempered glass when possible and keep gaps at exterior doors minimal with good weather-stripping. Add metal mesh window screens and keep combustibles away from window wells.
Garage and attachments
Garages store fuels and often have gaps. Install or repair garage door seals and avoid storing flammables in attached garages. Some items such as garage door seals and gutter guards may be eligible for reimbursement under local grant rules listed by Southern Marin Fire’s resident grant programs.
Decks and siding
Create a 0–5 foot ember-resistant zone under and around attached decks with hardscape, not bark mulch. Remove all storage under decks and consider ignition-resistant materials for surfaces closest to the house. When you update siding, choose noncombustible or ignition-resistant options and seal gaps.
Gutters and roofline
Clean gutters frequently so embers cannot land in dry debris. Consider gutter guards that resist debris buildup. Keep nearby branches trimmed to minimize leaf fall on the roof.
Water and backup power
If you rely on pumps for water or defensible-space sprinklers, plan for power shutoffs. PG&E’s preparedness page outlines what to expect during PSPS events and how to plan for backup power. Review PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs guidance and choose a safe, reliable backup solution.
Defensible space on steep lots
Zone 0: the first 0–5 feet
This is your highest-return area. Keep it hardscaped, remove all combustible mulch and debris, and clear anything under decks. California’s emergency guidance highlights how this zone cuts ignition risk. See the state’s overview of defensible space priorities.
Slopes and spacing
Fire moves faster uphill, so spacing must increase on steep sites. Prune lower branches, remove ladder fuels, and create generous horizontal and vertical separation. CAL FIRE outlines how slope affects spacing in its Defensible Space guidance.
Plants and hardscape
Favor low-fuel plants and keep them maintained. Avoid bark mulch in Zone 0 and use noncombustible hardscape right next to the house. Local guidance and plant lists are available through ReadyMarin and Fire Safe Marin.
Access and visibility
Steep driveways and narrow streets are common above Caledonia. Keep access clear, maintain a safe turnaround if possible, and make sure your address numbers are reflective and visible from the street.
Grants, programs, and inspections
- Home evaluations: Get a free, tailored report for your address through Fire Safe Marin’s Home Evaluation program. This gives you a prioritized plan and connects you to local resources.
- Resident grants: MWPA-funded grants can help pay for defensible space and home-hardening work. Some line items, such as ember-resistant vents, gutter guards, and garage door seals, may be fully reimbursable up to local caps. Check current details on Southern Marin Fire’s grant page.
- Chipper Days: Use the MWPA-funded Curbside Chipper Program for seasonal, free woody-debris pickup. Coordinate with neighbors to reduce fuels block by block.
- Evacuation readiness: Know your Zonehaven evacuation zone and sign up for AlertMarin and Nixle. The City lists how notifications work and where to go on its evacuation information page.
- Insurance documentation: Many insurers now consider mitigation, though discounts vary. Document your upgrades with photos, receipts, and inspection reports, then ask your insurer about credits. See the Department of Insurance update on mitigation reforms and discounts in this state overview.
Prioritized checklist for the Caledonia hills
- Book a free home evaluation to get your address-specific plan. Use Fire Safe Marin’s Home Evaluation program.
- Clear Zone 0 first: remove combustible mulch and debris within 0–5 feet, and clean under decks.
- Clean gutters and consider gutter guards. Keep the roof free of leaves and needles.
- Upgrade vents and seal eaves and soffits to block ember entry.
- Move flammable items away from the house. Clear and maintain 0–30 feet around the structure.
- Fix door and garage gaps with quality gasketing and weather-stripping.
- Plan larger upgrades like a Class A roof, ignition-resistant siding, and backup power.
Selling or buying in the hills above Caledonia
If you are selling, organize your inspection report, before-and-after photos, and receipts for hardening and defensible-space work. This helps buyers understand the home’s risk profile and the value of your upgrades. If you are buying, ask for the property’s wildfire report, recent inspection findings, and any grant history. These items can streamline negotiations and future planning.
Ready for a walkthrough of your options or a strategy tailored to your property and timeline? Reach out to Jeff Marples for local guidance, vetted vendors, and a plan that supports both safety and resale.
FAQs
What are the most effective first steps for Sausalito hillside homes?
- Start with a free home evaluation, clear a hard, noncombustible Zone 0 within 5 feet, clean gutters, and upgrade ember-vulnerable vents and garage door seals.
How does Zone 0 change my landscaping near the house?
- Keep the first 0–5 feet ember-resistant with hardscape or low-fuel plants, and remove bark mulch, dead vegetation, and stored items that can ignite.
What grants can help pay for upgrades in Southern Marin?
- MWPA-funded resident grants support defensible space and home-hardening, with some items fully reimbursable up to local caps; check current details on the Southern Marin Fire grant page.
How do Chipper Days work in Sausalito’s hills?
- You stack eligible woody debris curbside on scheduled days, and the MWPA-funded program chips and removes it for free to reduce neighborhood fuels.
How should I prepare for PSPS on steep lots?
- Plan safe backup power for pumps and critical needs, know your communication options during outages, and follow PG&E’s PSPS checklist.
What documentation helps when selling a wildfire-smart home?
- Keep your home evaluation report, photos, receipts, and any grant approvals or completion records to show buyers clear proof of mitigation work.
