The Wildfire-Resistant Siding Revolution is Transforming San Diego County Home Protection as Fire Threats Reach Historic Levels in 2025
San Diego County homeowners are facing an unprecedented wildfire crisis in 2025. San Diego County saw a 26% increase in the “very high” hazard zone, going from 646,838 acres to 871,212, and more urban areas are designated as “very high” for the first time. San Diego County is still under wildfire threat, as the recent rains have done little to lift the region out of an extreme drought. Last month was the 13th driest January since 1895 — making for conditions that, when mixed with Santa Ana winds, can quickly spread embers. In response to these escalating threats, homeowners are turning to Class A fire-rated fiber cement siding as their primary defense against wildfire destruction.
The Science Behind Class A Fire-Rated Fiber Cement
Hardie® products have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, with a flame spread index of 0. And they’re eligible to be used in certain 1-hour fire rated wall assemblies which may be required under local building codes. Unlike traditional building materials, fiber cement siding is noncombustible, meaning it won’t ignite when exposed to a direct flame. You can rest assured that stray sparks from bonfires, barbecue grills, or even wildfires won’t engulf your home in flames.
Fiber cement siding is made from a durable combination of sand, cement, water, and cellulose fibers. This strong material can withstand harsh weather, temperature changes, strong winds, heavy impacts, pests and woodpeckers, and of course, fire damage. The manufacturing process creates a material that won’t burn when tested per ASTM E136, and along with other home hardening measures, may help protect a home from external fire damage.
San Diego County’s Escalating Fire Risk
The threat to San Diego County homes has never been more severe. “Many of the wildfires we’ve been seeing embers are flying from these fires upwards of a mile away,” he said. “And so that means that we’re seeing a lot more urbanized areas be considered in a fire hazard area because of the flying embers.” “The outlook is not good,” Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham said Wednesday, citing a lack of rain in recent months that has left vegetation parched. “The fuels are receptive, they’re ready to burn, and then it’s really a matter of what happens with the weather … We could have major fires this year.”
The updated fire hazard maps reveal the expanding danger. The cities of Poway, San Marcos, Escondido, Santee, Encinitas, Vista, Chula Vista, Del Mar, and Carlsbad and Oceanside all saw an increase compared to 2011 – the last time Cal Fire issued what the agency calls Fire Hazard Severity Zones maps. Chula Vista, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Poway, Santee and San Marcos all saw at least 10% additional land categorized as a “very high” fire hazard between 2011 and 2025.
The Superior Performance of Fiber Cement
When compared to other siding materials, fiber cement stands alone in fire protection. For example, wood siding fuels a fire, and vinyl siding melts when exposed to a flame, releasing toxic gasses and exposing other wood materials to flame. This demonstration shows how a mock structure sided in Hardie® siding remains intact, while the mock structures built with vinyl, engineered wood, and cedar siding eventually succumb to the flames.
If you want a wood-like look without the fire risk, fiber cement is a great option. It’s made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, giving it the texture of wood but the fire resistance of stone. Won’t burn or contribute to flame spread (Class A rating). Additionally, it resists moisture, pests, and harsh weather and can last 30-50 years with minimal upkeep.
Insurance and Financial Benefits
The investment in fire-resistant siding pays dividends beyond safety. Insurance companies love fire-resistant materials—some policies offer up to 50% discounts if you use Class A-rated siding. If you choose to cover your exterior in this resilient material, be sure to check with your insurance company about the possibility of a discount due to Hardie siding’s fire rating.
Professional Installation Matters
For San Diego County homeowners seeking expert installation of Class A fire-rated fiber cement siding, working with an experienced Siding Contractor San Diego County, CA is essential. MRH Pro Construction & Painting has been transforming homes across San Diego County for 16 years. We recently obtained our B general and C33 licenses, giving you the confidence that comes with working with properly licensed professionals.
What sets us apart in Bostonia is our commitment to direct work—no subcontractors, no middlemen. When you hire us, you get our 7-person crew working on your project from start to finish. This specialization means we’re current on the best materials and techniques for San Diego County’s climate. Being locally based means we understand the specific challenges San Diego County homes face—from sun exposure to occasional weather extremes. We choose materials and techniques that work specifically in this climate.
The Time to Act is Now
“Studies have shown 80% of homes lost to wildfire could have been saved with the right home hardening,” said San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan. Mecham advises removing anything flammable that is within 5 feet of homes. As “It’s not a fire season anymore. It’s a fire year for us down here in Southern California,” Pascua said.
The wildfire-resistant siding revolution isn’t coming—it’s here. Class A fire-rated fiber cement siding represents the most advanced protection available for San Diego County homes, combining superior fire resistance with long-term durability and aesthetic appeal. With fire threats at historic levels and expanding into previously safe urban areas, the question isn’t whether you can afford to upgrade your siding—it’s whether you can afford not to.