The Best Roof for Wildfire Zones
Quick answer
For wildfire-prone areas, a Class A metal roof is one of the safest choices. Metal is non-combustible, so it gives wind-blown embers — the leading cause of home ignition in wildfires — nothing to burn. Interlock achieves a Class A fire rating with the specified assembly under ICC-ES ESR-1790, a major safety advantage over combustible wood shake or asphalt.
How homes actually ignite in wildfires
Research on wildland-urban-interface fires consistently finds that most homes don't burn from a direct wall of flame — they ignite from wind-blown embers that travel far ahead of the fire, land on the roof and in gutters, and smolder into ignition. The roof is the single most exposed, most vulnerable surface. That means the roofing material you choose is one of the most important wildfire-safety decisions you can make.
Why a metal roof is one of the safest choices
A metal roof directly counters the ember threat because the roofing itself cannot burn. Unlike wood shake — literally fuel — or petroleum-based asphalt, aluminum and steel are non-combustible: embers landing on them find nothing to ignite. Interlock's shingles and panels achieve a Class A fire rating (the highest roof-covering classification) with the specified assembly under ICC-ES ESR-1790. A Class A metal roof assembly is exactly what fire officials and insurers look for in high-risk zones.
Complete the hardening — and the insurance angle
A non-combustible roof is the foundation, and it works best as part of whole-home hardening: keep gutters clear of debris that embers can ignite, use ember-resistant detailing at edges and vents, and maintain defensible space. In many fire-prone areas, a Class A roof also factors into insurance availability and pricing, since insurers increasingly favor — and sometimes require — fire-resistant roofing. When choosing, confirm the assembly meets your local fire-zone requirements with your installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best roof for a wildfire area?
A Class A, non-combustible metal roof is one of the safest choices. Metal gives wind-blown embers — the top cause of home ignition in wildfires — nothing to burn. Interlock is Class A rated with the specified assembly under ICC-ES ESR-1790.
Are metal roofs fireproof?
Metal roofing is non-combustible — it won't ignite or feed a fire. With the specified assembly, Interlock achieves a Class A fire rating, the highest roof-covering classification, which is the benchmark in wildfire zones.
Is a metal roof better than asphalt or wood for fire?
Yes. Wood shake is combustible and asphalt is petroleum-based, while metal is non-combustible. A Class A metal roof assembly offers the highest fire protection — a major advantage in fire-prone areas.
Does a fire-resistant roof help with insurance in fire zones?
Often. Insurers increasingly favor or require Class A, non-combustible roofing in high-risk areas, so a metal roof can help with insurance availability and pricing. Confirm specifics with your carrier.
Sources
- ICC-ES ESR-1790 — Fire classification — Class A assembly
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Last reviewed 2026-07-11 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing