What Is Defensible Space
Defensible Space is the area around a structure where combustible vegetation that can fuel wildfire has been cleared, reduced or replaced. This space acts as a barrier between a structure and an advancing fire.
In January 2005, a new state law became effective that extended the defensible space clearance around homes and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. This defensible space also provides for firefighter safety when protecting homes during a wildland fire.
Within the 100 feet surrounding your home, there are three different zones.
Zone 1 is defined as the first five feet around your home. The strategy in this zone is to reduce the chance of wind-blown embers igniting materials near your home. Choosing products like rock, gravel and concrete and not storing firewood/lumber or combustibles is critical.
Zone 2 is five to thirty feet from your home, and the strategy is to create a landscape that will not readily transmit fire to the home. In this zone there should not be any shrubs under trees, trees need to be pruned and remove dead vegetation. Trailers/RV’s and combustible structures should be removed from this zone or have a defensible space for several feet surrounding.
In Zone 3, the thirty to one hundred feet surrounding your home, the goal is to reduce the energy and speed of wildfire. You must remove dead plant materials and tree branches, thin and separate trees and shrubs, limb up trees and remove shrubs that can serve as ladder fuel.
Understanding the three zones is extremely important for making sure you are prepared.
For more information and detailed diagrams on the three zones, visit CalFire’s website fire.ca.gov.
Helpful Websites:
Truckee Community Wildfire Plan
