🪵 Treat the underside of your deck like part of the house

Decks are a classic wildfire weak point. The underside collects dry leaves, needles and bits of paper; the top is often surrounded by patio cushions,...

Decks are a classic wildfire weak point. The underside collects dry leaves, needles and bits of paper; the top is often surrounded by patio cushions, planters and bark mulch. FireSmart and Firewise USA tell homeowners to keep the area under and around decks clear of combustibles, with no firewood, dry vegetation, or stored items beneath. Skirt open decks with non-combustible material such as cement board or fine metal mesh so embers cannot blow underneath. On the surface, replace dry, weathered wood deck boards with fire-rated decking when the deck comes due for repair, or at minimum keep the boards sealed and free of cracks. Move propane barbecues, plastic furniture and outdoor cushions away from the house at the start of fire season — and certainly during an evacuation alert. If your deck connects to the house at a wall vent or window, treat that junction like an immediate-zone problem: clear vegetation, harden surfaces, and remove anything that could carry a flame from the deck to the siding.

Source: FireSmart BC — Home Ignition Zone

Last reviewed 2026-05-02.

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