Creating Defensible Space

To create defensible space around your residence or business, divide your property into zones and then reduce or eliminate vegetation in each zone according to proven wildfire mitigation strategies.

Immediate Zone

This includes the home and the area 0-5' from the furthest attached exterior point of the home. Create a non-combustible zone: Remove dead leaves, debris and pine needles from gutters, replace loose shingles or roof tiles, install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening on vents, repair or replace damaged or loose window screens, and remove all flammable material away from walls and from underneath decks and porches.

Intermediate Zone

This includes the area 5-30' from the furthest exterior point of the home. Manage landscaping to create breaks that will help decrease the spread of a wildfire: Clear vegetation from under propane tanks, create fuel breaks with driveways, paths, patios and decks, keep all grass mowed to 4", prune trees up to 6-10' from the ground (not to exceed 1/3 of tree height), space trees at least 18' between crowns (more distance required on slopes), ensure mature tree canopy is no closer than 10' to the home, and limit trees and shrubs to small clusters of a few each to create breaks in the landscape.

Extended Zone

This includes the area 30-100 ', out to 200' from the home. Manage this area to break up the path of fire and keep flames smaller and on the ground: Remove heavy accumulations of ground litter, remove dead plant and tree material, remove small conifers growing between mature trees, remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds or outbuildings, space trees 30-60' from home so there are at least 12' between canopy tops, space trees 60-100' from home so there are at least 6' between canopy tops.

Source: National Fire Protection Association