Fireproof Neighborhood: California Developer Builds First Wildfire-Resistant Community

After losing his home to the 2018 Camp Fire, engineer Mark Reynolds designed the first fully fire-resistant subdivision in Sonoma County. Every element of the 50-home Ember Ridge community is engineered to survive wildfires:

• Ceramic-coated roofs that repel flames
• Underground power lines and ember-proof vents
• Non-flammable landscaping (succulents, stone pathways)

“These homes won’t just survive—they’ll be safe shelters,” said fire marshal Carla Diaz. The model is already inspiring codes in Australia and Greece.