Defensible Space

Defensible Space is the most effective way for property owners to protect their buildings, and sometimes their lives, against the devastation caused by catastrophic wildfires. It is highly unlikely that there will be a fire engine available to defend your home against a wildfire, and even if an engine is available, they will probably withdraw as the fire approaches leaving your home to fend for itself. After the fire has passed and if fire crews and engines are available, they will try to return to extinguish any detectable fires. If there are not enough fire crews and engines available they will probably concentrate their efforts on homes that they can save, which means homes that have Defensible Space.

California law now requires 100 feet of Defensible Space around a home. Defensible Space does not mean a paved parking lot. It means that the home design and construction, building materials and surrounding vegetation do not contribute to the intensity of the fire.

Landscaping around structures should consist of fire resistant plants. Unfortunately in our area most fire resistant plants are not drought tolerant which means that most native plants are not suitable unless they are kept very low to the ground and are not planted up against the structure. Fire resistant plants also tend to consume more water than native plants.

Design and construction materials are also a critical part of Defensible Space. Eaves should be boxed in and vents should be screened with metal screening with 1/8" openings. Roofing should be Class A and siding should be fire resistant.

For a free Courtesy Fire Review of your Defensible Space please contact us.

To learn more about Defensible Space download the following brochures.

General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space (689 KB pdf)

Brush land such as Mesa Vista and Hung-a-lel-ti. (304 KB pdf)
Timber land such as Crystal Springs and Markleevillage. (314 KB pdf)

Take advantage of the Burn Pile to help make your home fire safe.