Designing Communities to Withstand Fire

Designing for Fire from the Ground Up

In a state grappling with record-breaking wildfire losses and skyrocketing insurance costs, Rancho Mission Viejo offers a story of optimism, and strategic planning.

This 23,000-acre development in Orange County, California, has been lauded by insurers and wildfire experts alike for its proactive, layered approach to fire prevention. Rather than avoiding the fire-prone landscape, Rancho Mission Viejo is meeting the challenge head-on, designing its villages to reduce ignition risk, slow fire spread, and protect surrounding communities.

Built-In Resilience, Backed by Science

From wide, looping roads that double as firebreaks, to underground utilities, ember-resistant construction, and 25 miles of fuel modification zones, the community integrates fire resilience into every layer of its design.

It’s also one of the first large-scale developments to be spotlighted in a Milliman report focused on risk reduction and insurance eligibility, supported by XyloPlan’s modeling.

XyloPlan co-founder and former Fire Chief Dave Winnacker, who contributed to the study, calls Rancho Mission Viejo a “top-shelf example” of how science-informed development can help inoculate neighborhoods against wildfire. “There’s no silver bullet,” he says. “But when taken in aggregate, these measures create a durable defense.”

Beyond the Buildings: A Layered Defense Strategy

Rancho Mission Viejo’s approach doesn’t stop at building codes. Open space buffers, grazing programs, a trained fire watch volunteer network, and dedicated on-site emergency infrastructure all contribute to a comprehensive wildfire strategy.

With 75% of the land preserved as open space and a wildfire management plan in place, the development even acts as a protective buffer for downwind cities like San Juan Capistrano and Aliso Viejo.

A Model for Wildfire-Safe Housing

Rancho Mission Viejo’s story demonstrates that new housing and wildfire resilience don’t have to be at odds. In fact, when guided by science and community-scale modeling, they can go hand in hand.

Read the full article in the Orange County Business Journal: The Fire Moat: Rancho Mission Viejo on High Alert for Prevention

Ready to Turn Risk Into Resilience?

Whether you’re a developer, insurer, or community planner, XyloPlan helps you understand wildfire risk through the lens of relative fire speed, so you can design, build, and invest with confidence.

Our science-based modeling tools translate complex fire dynamics into actionable strategies for smarter development and stronger protection.

Let’s talk about how we can support your next project. Contact us at info@xyloplan.com.