Two things save homes
Wildfire research consistently shows that surviving homes tend to have two things: a clean defensible-space buffer and a hardened structure. CAL FIRE’s home-hardening guidance focuses on the building itself — the vulnerable points where embers get in.
Key measures include a Class A fire-rated roof, ember-resistant vents, noncombustible siding, enclosed eaves, and dual-paned or tempered windows that resist heat.
How grazing fits the bigger picture
Goats reduce the fuel that feeds an approaching fire and throws embers, but they can’t harden a house. The most resilient properties pair vegetation management in the outer zones with structural upgrades close in.
If you’re investing in fire safety, treat grazing and home hardening as partners: one shrinks the fire, the other shields the building.