The term “defensible space” has been highlighted by firefighters as a key part of protecting homes and businesses from January’s Los Angeles County wildfires.
But what does that mean?
According to Cal Fire, “defensible space is a buffer between a building and the surrounding area.”
This space acts as a barrier to slow the progress of fires near your property and helps ensure the safety of firefighters protecting your home.
“Defensible space is your home’s first line of defense against wildfires,” Cal Fire said.
Defensible space is divided into three different zones:
Zone 0: 0 to 5 feet from the structure: The first 5 feet around the structure are the most important for fire safety. To prevent wildfires from spreading to residential areas, it is important to keep combustible materials away from embers that can spread. Cal Fire recommends the following: Use hardscapes such as gravel, pavers, or concrete. No flammable bark or mulch. Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris (leaves, conifers, etc.) from under the roof, gutters, decks, balconies, stairs, and anywhere else in your home. Remove all branches within 10 feet of the chimney or stovepipe exit. Keep flammable items (such as outdoor furniture and planters) off your deck. Move firewood and wood to Zone 2. Replace flammable fences, gates, and gazebos on your home with non-flammable alternatives. Consider moving trash and recycling containers outside of this zone. Consider moving boats, RVs, vehicles, and other flammable materials out of this zone. Zone 1: 5 to 30 feet from structures: Dried vegetation often turns small embers into large, roaring fires. Cal Fire recommends: Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds. Remove dead, dry leaves, and pine needles. Trim trees regularly to keep branches at least 10 feet from other trees. Create distance between trees, shrubs, and items that can catch fire, such as patio furniture, wooden stakes, and swings. Zone 2: 30 to 100 feet from the structure: Why 100 feet? This is the law under Public Resources Code 4291. Cal Fire recommends the following: Mow or trim annual grasses to a maximum height of 4 inches. Create horizontal space between shrubs and trees. Create vertical space between grass, shrubs, and trees. Remove fallen leaves, conifers, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches. However, a depth of up to 3 inches may be allowed. Allow 10 feet of clearance in all directions around exposed wood piles, down to exposed mineral soil. Clear outbuildings and areas around propane tanks. Allow 10 feet of clearance to exposed mineral soil and an additional 10 feet of flammable vegetation around the outside perimeter.
Homeowners can request a security deposit box inspection from their local fire department here.
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