Protect Your Home and Community: Wildfire Prevention & Defensible Space

As wildfire season approaches, now is the time for residents to take steps to reduce wildfire risks around their homes and properties. Wildfires can spread quickly, and many homes are lost not because of direct flames, but because of embers carried by wind that ignite nearby combustible materials.

One of the most effective ways to protect your home is by creating and maintaining defensible space—a buffer between your home and surrounding vegetation that helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire.

What Is Defensible Space?

Defensible space is divided into three zones surrounding your home:

Zone 1: 0–5 Feet from Your Home

This area should be the most fire-resistant.

• Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris.
• Keep roofs and gutters clean.
• Store firewood and combustible materials away from structures.
• Use nonflammable landscaping materials such as rock mulch and hardscape features.
• Prune tree branches at least 10 feet from roofs.

Zone 2: 5–30 Feet from Your Home

Reduce vegetation that can carry fire toward structures.

• Create breaks between shrubs and trees.
• Remove dead vegetation and ladder fuels.
• Keep grass mowed and healthy.
• Move sheds, RVs, and combustible materials farther from the home when possible.

Zone 3: 30–200 Feet from Your Home

Reduce the intensity of an approaching wildfire.

• Space trees and shrubs to prevent fire spread.
• Remove dead trees, brush, and dry vegetation.
• Store firewood at least 30 feet from structures.
• Create separation between neighboring properties and vegetation.

Harden Your Home Against Wildfire

In addition to defensible space, residents can improve home resilience by:

• Maintaining fire-resistant roofing materials.
• Cleaning gutters regularly.
• Installing metal mesh screens on vents.
• Using tempered or dual-pane windows.
• Removing combustible materials near windows and doors.
• Weather-stripping garage doors and entry points.
• Ensuring emergency vehicle access to your property.

Be Ready Before an Emergency

Wildfire preparedness goes beyond property maintenance. Residents should:

• Create a family emergency plan.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts.
• Know multiple evacuation routes.
• Assemble a Go Kit with essential supplies.
• Prepare for pets and family members with special needs.
• Stay informed about weather conditions and fire activity.

Act Early

If an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. Early evacuation helps keep roads clear, reduces risk to your family, and allows first responders to focus on firefighting efforts.

By taking action today, we can help protect homes, neighborhoods, and lives throughout our community.

Remember: Be Prepared. Be Aware. Act Early. Together, we can reduce wildfire risks and strengthen our community's resilience during wildfire season.