The Nuns Fire of October 2017 swept through the Valley of the Moon. The Press Democrat's November 2017 data analysis counted roughly 183 homes destroyed in Glen Ellen and 140 in Kenwood (Press Democrat). Those figures were early counts and may differ from later official tallies. Rebuilding stretched over years, and many valley homes now have roofs installed since 2018.
What's different here
- Wildland exposure. Homes are set among oaks, bays and grasslands on the valley floor and hillsides. Check your address on CAL FIRE's hazard zone viewer.
- Unincorporated permits. Permit Sonoma handles building permits for Glen Ellen and Kenwood.
- Limbs and debris. Winter storms bring down branches and fill gutters fast.
- Rural access. Long, steep driveways matter for material deliveries in wet weather.
Keeping a rebuild roof fire-ready
OSFM says embers cause 60 to 90 percent of home ignitions in wildfires (OSFM). For a WUI-built home, the roof's Class A assembly is only part of it:
- Keep gutters and valleys free of leaves.
- Check that ember-resistant vents are intact and not blocked.
- Replace damaged sections with matching Class A assemblies.
- Keep vegetation trimmed back from the roofline.
Before winter
Get a roof inspection and clear gutters before storms. See the El Niño roof prep guide and our sister sites' pages for Glen Ellen & Kenwood water damage and mold.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Sources
- Press Democrat: fire damage by community, Nov 2017
- CAL FIRE OSFM: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
- CAL FIRE OSFM: Building in the wildland
- Permit Sonoma
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues roof permits in Glen Ellen and Kenwood?
Permit Sonoma, since both communities are unincorporated.
My home was rebuilt in 2019. Does it need a new roof?
Probably not. Most roofs last much longer. Focus on maintenance and a periodic inspection.