The recent ‘Tea Fire’ that started in the Montecito foothills burned over 100 homes. Our house survived. Ten houses immediately surrounding us were totally burned. Our house was completed over two years ago and it was designed and built to Santa Barbara County Fire Department recommendations for both construction and surrounding landscaping. (See Santa Barbara Spanish Style, page 9, picture sb11). Exactly why the house survived, no one can be sure. Undoubtedly following those recommendations at least contributed to its survival.
We understand how to design and build a fire-resistive house. If you are rebuilding, please consider us as your architect, or follow those recommendations from the fire department.