Although wildfires are part of California’s landscape, properties can be designed and maintained to reduce their vulnerability. Agricultural infrastructure (e.g., barns, wood fences, hay, and other key buildings) have inherent vulnerabilities to wildfire and first responders may need extra time to reach and defend every structure depending on their location and access. However, buildings and infrastructures can be designed and maintained to reduce their vulnerability to wildfire and fire-related damage to agricultural resources (e.g., soil, crops, pasture, and rangeland).

Similar to residential homes, structure loss during a wildfire occurs because of one of the three main types of exposures: embers, radiant heating, or direct flame contact. While distinguishing these exposures can help prioritize actions, keep in mind that they all happen at the same time, and they are all equally important. Additionally, smoke exposure can be as damaging as flames.

A combination of structure hardening and defensible space strategies help buildings survive wildfires. Start by assessing your situation and identifying potential risks and solutions by using the resources below.

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Prepare Before the Wildfire Starts

There are critical steps you can take to prepare before each wildfire season, including coming up with a plan before each fire season and sharing key information with local fire departments to aid in suppression efforts.

Learn how to prepare for wildfires here.

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Protect Agricultural Structures

If your property or operation has old wooden buildings or buildings with many openings, these buildings are more vulnerable to wildfire.  Make a plan to protect these key resources so you can resume normal agricultural activities quickly after a wildfire.

Learn how to protect your agricultural structures here.

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Implement Defensible Space

Defensible space describes the area adjacent to a structure where vegetation and other combustible materials are carefully located and maintained to provide defense from an approaching wildfire burning or to minimize the spread of a structure fire to wildlands or surrounding areas. 

Learn how to design and implement a effective defensible space strategy around your agricultural structures here.

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Protect Crops and Vineyards

There are steps that can be taken to decrease the amount of damage done to agricultural crops and the surrounding agricultural infrastructure.

Learn how to prepare your crops and vineyards for wildfire here. 

Additional Resources

Check out these additional wildfire preparedness and vegetation management resources for farms and ranches from UC ANR Fire Network Members and our colleagues! Most materials are available both in English and Spanish.

• Wildfire Preparedness for Farms, Ranches, and Agricultural Operations guide from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - English
• Wildfire Preparedness for Farms, Ranches, and Agricultural Operations guide from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - Spanish
• Keeping Livestock Safe and Healthy During Wildfires factsheet from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - English
• Keeping Livestock Safe and Healthy During Wildfires factsheet from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - Spanish
• Land Stewardship and Vegetation Management factsheet from the UC ANR Fire Network (2024) - English