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.
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