Is Your Home Protected From Wildfire?

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WILDFIRE RISK

Getting ready for a wildfire begins with you. Defensible Space is the buffer between your home and the vegetation (trees, grass, shrubs, and wildland) that surround it. Creating Defensible Space improves your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire and gives firefighters a safe area to work in to defend your home.

HOW TO CREATE DEFENSIBLE SPACE: 

  • ZONE: Divide your defensible space into zones: 

Zone 0 extends 5 feet from buildings, structures, decks, etc. Use hardscape like gravel, pavers, concrete and other noncombustible mulch materials. Limit combustible items on deck like patio furniture. The goal is to make this a noncombustible area.

Zone 1 extends 30 feet from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to your property line, whichever is closer. Remove all dead vegetation and trim trees and remove branches that hang over the roof. The goal is to reduce flammable materials near your home.

Zone 2 extends from 30 feet to 100 feet out from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to your property line, whichever is closer. The 30-100 feet area should be a reduced fuel zone, with well-spaced trees, trimmed shrubs, and fire-resistant plants. The goal is to reduce heat and movement of flames.

 

  • CLEAR: Clear vegetation, debris, and flammable materials from at least 100 feet around structures. This includes removing dead plants, leaves, and fallen branches, as they can serve as fuel for fires. Trim tree branches that overhang roofs and remove vegetation within 30 feet of structures. 

 

  • LANDSCAPE: Choose fire-resistant plants and materials that are well-maintained and appropriately spaced. Emphasize the use of non-flammable mulch and rocks in areas close to structures. 

 

  • ACCESS AND ESCAPE ROUTES: Ensure that emergency vehicles can access your property and residents have clear paths for evacuation. Trim overhanging branches and maintain clear roadways. 

 

COMMUNITY EFFORT: 

Making sure you have created defensible space around your property not only helps you but also helps your neighbors. Encourage your neighbors to participate in creating defensible space and organize community meetings to share knowledge and resources such as these (link to assets) FFOYS materials. 

 

BE PROACTIVE 

Making the time to create and maintain defensible space is a proactive step to protect homes and communities from the devastating effects of wildfires and other disasters in California. By implementing the key elements of defensible space and practicing regular maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with wildfires and other emergencies.  

 

Make sure to download our Defensible Space brochure so you can keep these helpful tips close by! Safeguard your homes, your communities, and the beautiful state we call home. 

California Fire Foundationdefensible space, wildfire, preparedness, home hardening, ready for wildfire