Defensible Space
Defensible Space is the systematic creation of space between the structures on a property and any combustible materials, including the trees, grasses, plants, and wildland area surrounding it. This mitigation creates a buffer to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and helps protect your home from catching fire—either from embers, direct flame contact, or radiant heat. Defensible space also affords firefighters the optimal setting from which to defend your property.
Defensible Space Zones
Zone 0- Ember Resistant Zone
Use hardscape like gravel, pavers, concrete and other noncombustible mulch materials.
Remove all dead and dying vegetative debris
Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney
Limit plants in this area to low growing
Consider relocating boats, RVs, vehicles and other combustible items outside this zone
Zone 1- Lean, Clean and Green Zone
Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters.
Remove branches that hang over your roof and keep dead branches 10 feet away from your chimney.
Trim trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.
Relocate wood piles to Zone 2.
Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows.
Zone 0 extends 5 feet from buildings, structures, desks, etc.
Limit combustible items on top of decks
Relocate firewood and lumber to Zone 2
Replace combustible fencing, gates, and arbors attach to the home with noncombustible alternatives
Consider relocating garbage and recycling containers outside this zone
Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks, balconies and stairs.
Create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire, such as patio furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc.
Zone 1 extends 30 feet from building, structures, decks, etc.
Zone 2- Reduce Fuel Zone.
Zone 2 extends from 30 feet to 100 feet out from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to your property line, whichever is closer
Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.
Create horizontal space between shrubs and trees.
Create vertical space between grass, shrubs and trees.
Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, and small branches. However, they may be permitted to a depth of 3 inches.
All exposed wood piles must have a minimum of 10 feet of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.
