Defensible Zone

Immediate ZONE 1 - Extends 0-5 feet out from your house, garage and other structures

• Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers.

• Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8” metal mesh screening.

• Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8” metal mesh screening to block embers.

• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

• Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors—furniture, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles—anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.

 

Intermediate ZONE 2 - Extends 30 feet out

• Remove all dead plants, grass, weeds, and dry leaves.

• Trim trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees and structures.

• Remove branches hanging over your roof.

• Create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire, such as patio furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc.

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Intermediate ZONE 2 - Extends 30 feet out

• Keep grass to a maximum height of 4 inches.

• Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees. 

• Create vertical spacing between grass, shrubs and trees. 

• Remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds, garages, and all buildings.

• Trees 30 to 60 feet from the home should have at least 12 feet between canopy tops.

• Trees 60 to 100 feet from the home should have at least 6 feet between the canopy tops.