Defending your property from a wildland fire starts with prevention strategies and tactics. The following are just some of the steps you can take to set your property up for success in a fire.
Defensible Space
AFR recommends setting zones around your house to help manage how much trees and bushes you can have and still be safe.
Key Defensible Space Zones
Requirement: Required for all new structures in High/Very High Fire Severity Zones after February 2026 and recommended for all existing structures to meet standards by February 2027. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Zone 0: Ember-Resistant Zone (0-5 feet):
Goal: Prevent embers from igniting materials on or near the structure.
Action: Remove all dead/dying plants, leaves, pine needles, wood piles, and debris.
Materials: Use hardscape (gravel, concrete, pavers).
Vegetation: Keep trees pruned so branches are at least 10 feet from roofs; remove shrubs.
Zone 1: Lean, Clean, and Green (5-30 feet):
- Goal: Create a buffer that prevents flames from reaching the house.
- Action: Remove dead vegetation, prune trees to 10 feet from chimneys and other trees, and keep grass under 4 inches.
- Planting: Use fire-resistant, irrigated, and well-maintained plants. [1, 2, 3]
Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Zone (30-100 feet):
- Goal: Reduce the intensity of the fire by minimizing fuel.
- Action: Remove lower branches (ladder fuels) to prevent ground fires from climbing trees, thin trees and shrubs, and create vertical and horizontal spacing between plants. [1, 2, 3]
Why It Matters
- Safety: Creates a safer area for firefighters to defend your property.
- Protection: Reduces the risk of direct flame contact and radiant heat damage.
- Legal Compliance: In California, 100 feet of defensible space is required. [1, 2, 3]
For more information and to check your local area’s requirements, visit official sources like CAL FIRE or local fire department websites. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Home Hardining
Although defensible space is the most important prevention step you can take, Home Harding is a close 2nd step.
This article from Cal Fire covers some important things to consider when prepping you home for a wildland fire.
How dangerous is your area
Use the Fire Hazard Severity Zones from Cal Fire to determine your neighborhood risk.
Community Defensible Space
The defensible space you have on your property can become magnified in effectiveness if your neighbors are also involved. This is why WFB has prevention a team that allows communities to view defensible space in a larger context.
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