Defensible space explained

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WILDFIRE RISK

Preparing for a wildfire starts with you. Defensible Space acts as a protective barrier between your home and surrounding vegetation such as trees, shrubs, grass, and wildland areas. Establishing Defensible Space enhances your home's ability to survive a wildfire and provides firefighters with a safe zone to defend your property.

HOW TO ESTABLISH DEFENSIBLE SPACE:

ZONE SYSTEM: Break down your defensible space into designated zones:

Zone 1 – The area within 5 feet of structures, decks, or other buildings. Use non-flammable surfaces such as gravel, concrete, pavers, or other fire-resistant materials. Avoid placing combustible items like patio furniture in this area. The objective is to create a fire-resistant zone.

Zone 2 – Extends from 5 to 30 feet from your buildings or structures, or to your property line, whichever is closer. Remove dead vegetation, trim trees, and cut back any branches that hang over your roof. The goal is to minimize the presence of fire fuel near your home.

Zone 3 – Covers 30 to 100 feet from structures, decks, and buildings, or to your property line, whichever is closer. This zone should feature well-spaced trees, trimmed shrubs, and fire-resistant plants. The goal is to reduce the spread of flames and heat.

Helpful Tips:

CLEAR THE AREA: Remove any vegetation, debris, and combustible materials within 100 feet of your property. This includes dead plants, leaves, and fallen branches, all of which can act as fuel for fires. Trim tree branches that extend over roofs and clear vegetation within 30 feet of buildings.

LANDSCAPING: Opt for fire-resistant plants and materials that are properly spaced and well-maintained. Use non-combustible mulch and rocks in areas close to structures to reduce fire risk.

ACCESS AND ESCAPE ROUTES: Ensure emergency vehicles can easily access your property, and that there are clear evacuation routes for residents. Trim overhanging branches and keep roadways unobstructed.

COMMUNITY EFFORT: Creating defensible space around your home not only benefits you but your neighbors as well. Encourage those in your community to also create defensible space, and consider organizing local meetings to exchange knowledge and resources, such as FFOYS materials.

BE PROACTIVE: Establishing and maintaining defensible space is a proactive approach to safeguarding homes and communities from the catastrophic impact of wildfires and other disasters. By implementing the core principles of defensible space and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can greatly reduce the risks posed by wildfires and other emergencies.