Wildfires don’t destroy most homes with flames—they destroy them with embers. While a recent New Yorker article accurately explains how ember intrusion is the leading cause of home ignition, it stops short of offering homeowners practical, affordable next steps. This article fills that gap by breaking down what wildfire research gets right, where cost becomes a barrier, and how budget-friendly, DIY ember-defense upgrades—like protecting vents, eaves, decks, and gutters—can dramatically reduce wildfire risk without expensive renovations.
