KB Homes unveils the nation’s first fire resistant new home community in SoCal

CALIFORNIA – KB Homes unveiled, March 27, the nation’s first fire resistant new home community in Escondido.

The Dixon Trail community follows wildfire safety standards created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). This nonprofit group focuses on helping protect homes and neighborhoods from natural disasters.

“With fire becoming an increasingly common threat in the West, it’s crucial to reconsider how we construct communities in fire-prone regions,” said IBHS CEO Roy Wright.

All homes are more than 10 feet apart

According to KB Homes, research shows that safety measures at both the home and neighborhood levels are important to stop wildfires from causing major damage.

Dixon Trail uses design features like Class A fire-rated roofs, noncombustible gutters, upgraded windows and doors, vents that block flames and embers, and a 5-foot fireproof zone around each home.

At the neighborhood level, wildfire risk is lowered by spacing most buildings more than 10 feet apart and using fire-resistant materials like metal fences.

Safer from Wildfires

Increasing wildfires in California have prompted the California Department of Insurance (CDI) to strengthen wildfire mitigation policies.

Dixon Trail homes’ fire-resistant design features align with the department’s Safer from Wildfires program along with other mitigation actions. Completing all 10 actions, including clearing vegetation and trimming trees, makes homeowners eligible for an insurance discount.

Dixon Trail homes start at $1,009,990.