Home hardening
Home hardening focuses on the structure. Roofs, vents, eaves, windows, exterior walls, garages and decks are all evaluated for potential ember entry, radiant heat exposure and direct flame contact.
Defensible space
Defensible space focuses on what surrounds the home. Vegetation, mulch, storage and combustible ground cover all influence how a fire moves toward or away from the structure.
Working together
A well hardened home in a poorly maintained landscape is still exposed. A cleared landscape around a home with vulnerable vents is still exposed. The two approaches work best together, and a home hardening assessment usually notes at least a few defensible space observations relevant to the structure.