Why Clean Gutters are Key for Home Fire Safety

Gutters might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to fire safety, but they play a crucial role in helping protect your home. When gutters become clogged with leaves, pine needles, and debris, they can create a potential fire hazard—especially in dry, wildfire-prone regions.

LeafFilter conducted a nationwide survey to better understand homeowners’ awareness of this risk and their current maintenance habits. As a leader in gutter protection, we’re here to share those insights and explain how regular maintenance and gutter guards can help reduce fire dangers.

Key Takeaways

• Fire Risk Overlooked: Over 35% of homeowners were unaware that clogged gutters could increase fire risk.
• Regional Risks Exist: Despite a growing number of wildfires in the U.S., only 26% of respondents expressed concern about the potential danger.
• Preventative Steps Are Key: More than 83% of homeowners said they would consider investing in a fire-ready gutter solution to protect their homes.

Home Fire Safety is a Critical Issue

Residential fires cause devastating damage across the U.S. each year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that wildfire activity in the U.S. has steadily increased over the past 40 years, fueled by rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and dry conditions. Despite the increase in fires, our survey revealed that only 26% of homeowners are concerned about fire risks related to gutters—even though wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity. As wildfires become more common, it’s essential for homeowners to recognize the potential risks and take preventive action.

Fire-Prone Areas

Certain regions, particularly states like California, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon, face a heightened risk of wildfire-related damage. Homes in dry, windy areas with abundant vegetation are especially vulnerable to flying embers—one of the leading causes of home ignitions during wildfires.

How Clogged Gutters Lead to Fire Risk

Clogged gutters might seem like a minor maintenance issue, but they can become a dangerous ignition source when fire conditions are present. Here’s how the process works:

Dry leaves, pine needles, and other debris accumulate in gutters, creating a susceptible fuel bed. When wind-blown embers travel during a wildfire—sometimes from more than a mile away—they can land in these debris-filled gutters and ignite a fire along the roof’s edge. This area, where the roof meets the gutters, is especially vulnerable due to its proximity to fascia boards and the home’s internal structure.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) found that gutters are a prime location for this type of ignition. Their research shows that embers landing in clogged gutters can ignite the debris and cause direct flame exposure to the fascia board, roof deck, and nearby structures. In fact, 90% of home ignitions during wildfire events are caused by flying embers (Fig. 2).

Regularly cleaning out your gutters and installing a noncombustible gutter cover can significantly reduce this risk. LeafFilter’s micromesh gutter protection helps keep flammable debris out while allowing water to flow freely—minimizing the chance of ignition and helping provide a crucial defense against wildfire threats.

Figure 2

Many Homeowners Not Taking Necessary Precautions and Unaware of Risk

While wildfires continue to increase in frequency and severity across the U.S., many homeowners remain unaware of the role clogged gutters can play in fire ignition. In fact, over 35% of homeowners surveyed said they were unaware that clogged gutters pose a fire risk. This lack of awareness leaves homes vulnerable to potential damage, especially in fire-prone regions.

Even among homeowners who understand the risks, proactive measures are often overlooked. While about half of respondents reported regularly cleaning out their gutters, only 20% conduct regular fire risk assessments. This gap in preventative action highlights the need for more accessible education on fire safety. Nearly 90% of survey participants said public awareness campaigns about gutter-related fire risks would be beneficial. This highlights the need to share information on routine maintenance and fire-ready solutions. LeafFilter’s non-combustible gutter protection system can help reduce this often-overlooked hazard.

Figure 3

How Homeowners Can Help Reduce Risk: Regular Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular gutter cleaning is a crucial step in reducing fire risk, yet it’s often overlooked. Gutters packed with organic debris create a prime spot for fire ignition if embers land there during a wildfire. The good news? This risk can be significantly reduced with consistent maintenance and simple preventive measures.

Experts recommend cleaning out your gutters at least twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall—to clear out seasonal debris and keep water flowing properly. For homes in wildfire-prone areas or neighborhoods with heavy tree cover, more frequent clean-outs may be necessary.

When cleaning out gutters, homeowners should wear protective gloves, use a sturdy ladder with a spotter, and remove any debris that could serve as kindling in the event of a fire. For added protection and convenience, installing a fire-ready gutter guard system, like LeafFilter’s micromesh guards, helps block flammable materials from entering the gutters while maintaining optimal water flow year-round.

Help Prevent Fires With LeafFilter Gutter Guards

Protecting your home from wildfire spread starts with reducing potential fuel sources—like dry, flammable debris in your gutters. Gutter guards can simplify this process by helping prevent organic material—such as fallen leaves, small branches, and plant matter—from accumulating in the first place.

LeafFilter’s micromesh gutter protection system is crafted with stainless-steel mesh, which helps block even the smallest debris, like shingle grit, while allowing water to flow freely. The system is non-combustible, helping protect your home from embers that can ignite debris-filled gutters. Our survey found that while 31% of homeowners struggle with the physical demands of cleaning out gutters, over 83% would consider investing in a fire-ready gutter solution (Fig. 4). LeafFilter offers both gutter guards and full gutter replacement, providing a proactive, reliable way to help safeguard your home from fire hazards.

Ready to Help Protect Your Home from the Risk of Wildfire Spread?

Clogged gutters packed with dry debris can create a dangerous fire hazard, especially in wildfire-prone areas. LeafFilter’s micromesh gutter protection system helps reduce this risk by helping keep flammable materials out of your gutters—while helping ensure rainwater flows safely away from your home. With professional installation, durable materials, and a lifetime clog-free guarantee, LeafFilter makes home wildfire safety simpler and more effective.

Learn more about LeafFilter Gutter Systems

Methodology

The data presented in this article comes from the February 10, 2025, LeafFilter Homeowner Gutter & Fire Safety Survey, which gathered responses from a diverse group of 2,000 U.S. homeowners. The survey explored awareness, concerns, and preventative actions related to gutter maintenance and wildfire risk. Insights were analyzed to better understand how homeowners approach wildfire spread prevention and the role of gutter protection in helping reduce the risk of wildfire spread to your home.