How Standby Generators Protect Homes in High-Risk Wildfire Areas

Wildfire season is getting worse, and your home’s power supply might not be guaranteed.

Utilities in California have cut power to over 400,000 homes and businesses during high fire risk days.

Plus, if you live in a wildfire zone, losing power doesn’t just mean no lights. It means spoiled food, no A/C, no internet, and no way to run life-saving devices.

That’s where a standby generator can make all the difference. Unlike small portable units, these systems turn on automatically and power your whole home.

However, before you purchase one, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, especially if you want to stay safe and prepared. This post breaks down what to look for and how to protect your home with the right generator.

Why Standby Generators Are Better Than Portable Ones

During wildfire season, losing power is a big deal. Some people buy small portable generators and think they are ready.

But these don’t always work when you really need them.

What’s Wrong With Portable Generators?

Portable generators have many problems in an emergency:

You need to go outside and turn them on manually.
They only power a few things at once.
They need gas, which can run out or be hard to find.
They must stay outside and can be hard to keep safe.

This can be risky if there’s smoke, fire, or bad weather.

Why a Standby Generator Is Safer

A standby generator for wildfire season is built into your home. It turns on by itself when the power goes out.

You don’t need to press any buttons or be home. It can run for days using natural gas or propane.

It powers more things than a portable one:

Lights
Fridge and freezer
Internet and Wi-Fi
Home alarm
Medical devices

Some Homes Need It Even More

A standby generator is a smart choice for all homes. But it’s even more important if:

You live far from town or power crews
You or someone at home uses a medical machine
You’re older or care for an older person
You work from home and need power to do your job

A standby generator helps your home stay safe, calm, and ready, no matter what.

The 4 Things Your Generator Must Have in Fire Zones

Now that you know why a standby generator works better in wildfire season, you also need to make sure it’s built and installed the right way.

A good unit won’t help much if it’s not wildfire-ready or placed safely. Here are the four most important things to look for before setup.

1. Fire-Resistant Housing

Look for a generator with a steel or aluminum cover that meets NFPA 110 or NFPA 37. These are fire codes that help protect your unit during high heat or flying embers.

Plastic covers can melt or crack—don’t risk it. Tip: Ask for a “wildfire-rated” or fire-resistant model. It’s built to handle tough outdoor conditions.

2. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

An ATS makes sure your generator turns on by itself when the power goes out. It also switches back to the power grid when it’s safe again.

You don’t have to do anything. It’s fast, safe, and smooth. This is key if you’re not home when the outage happens.

3. The Right Fuel for Where You Live

Standby generators usually run on natural gas or propane.

Here’s how to pick:

Use natural gas if your home already has gas lines—easy and steady fuel.
Pick propane if you’re in a rural area or off-grid; it can be stored in large tanks.

Either fuel works, but it’s important to choose the one that’s best for your setup.

4. Safe and Legal Placement

Where you place your generator matters a lot. Bad placement can be dangerous and may even break the law.

Here’s what you need to follow for safe generator installation in wildfire zones:

Keep at least 5 feet of clear space around the unit
Make sure there’s good airflow so heat and fumes can escape
Never install it near windows, doors, or vents
Stay clear of dry grass, decks, and flammable walls

Ask your installer if the location follows local fire rules and codes. It’s not just smart, it’s required.

Bonus tip:

Safe placement is just one part of a best backup generator maintenance plan. From regular fuel checks to fire-zone compliance, having a full plan ensures your system runs when you need it most.