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Why 100 Feet ?
Following these simple steps can
dramatically increase the chance of
your home surviving a wildfire!
A Defensible Space of 100 feet around
your home is required by law. The goal is
to protect your home while providing a safe
area for firefighters.
“Lean, Clean and Green Zone.”
– Clearing an area of 30 feet immediately
surrounding your home is critical. This area
requires the greatest reduction in flammable
vegetation.
“Reduced Fuel Zone.”
– The fuel reduction zone in the remaining
70 feet (or to property line) will depend on
the steepness of your property and the
vegetation.
Spacing between plants improves the chance
of stopping a wildfire before it destroys your
home. You have two options in this area:
 Create horizontal and vertical spacing
between plants. The amount of space will
depend on how steep the slope is and the
size of the plants.
Large trees do not have to be cut and
removed as long as all of the plants
beneath them are removed. This
eliminates a vertical “fire ladder.”
When clearing vegetation, use care when
operating equipment such as lawnmowers.
One small spark may start a fire; a string
trimmer is much safer. Remove all build – up of needles and leaves
from your roof and gutters. Keep tree limbs
trimmed at least 10 feet from any chimneys
and remove dead limbs that hang over your
home or garage. The law also requires a
screen over your chimney outlet of not more than 1/2 inch mesh.
Some fire department jurisdictions may have additional requirements. Some removal activities may require special procedures for 1) threatened and endangered species, 2) avoiding erosion conditions, and 3) protection of water quality. The area to be firesafe treated does not extend beyond your property. Contact the local CDF office for more details. |
