NASA ember-risk maps show threats to Tiburon homes

A NASA satellite map released in June shows ember risk levels across the North Bay, with darker red areas indicating vegetation most likely to produce dangerous flying embers during wildfires, with an inset highlighting the Tiburon Peninsula. The map combines decades of satellite data to identify where vegetation types and density create the highest risk for embers that can travel one to two miles from wildfire sources to threaten homes. (NASA Ames Research Center; Kevin Hessel / The Ark)

NASA Ames Research Center has released new maps showing Tiburon Peninsula areas at risk from flying embers during wildfires, with zones along the western and southern Tiburon Ridge, Ring Mountain and Angel Island highlighted as potential sources of dangerous firebrands.

NASA earth scientist Chris Potter said embers — glowing, hot particles of vegetation that float through the air during wildfire — pose a threat to Tiburon homes this fire season.

“The wind blows and casts the embers toward your town,” he said. “Toward the roofs and vents of your homes — which are the most dangerous places for an ember to land.”

NASA, in collaboration with the nonprofit Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, released maps in June that display Bay Area spots at greatest risk of sparking flying embers. Using satellite data collected since the 1970s, the maps show dark red regions where vegetation type and density are particularly ember-prone, including areas that border the southern Tiburon Ridge, Acacia Drive, Seafirth, Norman Estates, Del Madera, Hacienda Heights, Mount Tiburon, Upper Sugarloaf and Marinero, Vistazo West, Hill Haven and Lyford Cove/Old Tiburon neighborhoods. Along the western ridge, near Highway 101, ember-prone areas abut the Eagle Rock, Bayview Terrace, Upper Via Los Altos, Tiburon Crest and Reedlands neighborhoods.

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