defensible space

The calendar for General Defensible Space Inspection Requests is now open. Inspections are available starting Monday, June 2nd at 9am.

 

What is defensible space?

Defensible space is the buffer you create between a structure and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from embers, direct flame contact or radiant heat. Proper defensible space also provides firefighters a safe area to work in, to defend your home.

Defensible Space Ordinance Update

Truckee Fire is in the process of updating the Defensible Space Ordinance. On May 1, Wildfire Prevention Manager Eric Horntvedt gave a detailed presentation on the proposed Defensible Space Ordinance Update including a background on state codes/laws, County ordinances, history of local defensible space ordinances, and a deep dive into the changes and specifics of the Defensible Space Ordinance update.

Public Hearing: Proposed Defensible Space Ordinance

A public hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held on May 20, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Truckee Sanitary District Boardroom located at 12304 Joerger Drive, Truckee, CA 96161.
At this hearing, all interested parties are invited to attend and provide input.

How to Provide Comments:

If you’d like to share your feedback, you may:

  • Attend the hearing in person on May 20th

  • Submit written comments in person at the Fire District Administration Office (10049 Donner Pass Rd) by 2:00 PM on May 20, 2025

  • Email comments to admin@truckeefire.org by 2:00 PM on May 20, 2025

View the Ordinance

A certified copy of the full proposed ordinance is available:

  • In person at the Fire District office (10049 Donner Pass Rd) during business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Or you may view or download the the ordinance below.

What is home hardening?

Home hardening is the process of taking measures to harden (prepare) your home to increase its likelihood of survival when wildfire strikes.

Defensible Space Zones

Zone 0

Extends 5 feet horizontally and vertically from any structure.

  • No combustible bark or mulch around structure.

  • Remove all dead and dying weeds, grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches and “vegetative debris”-leaves, needles, cones, bark, etc.

  • Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from roof and gutters.

  • Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney, stovepipe and roof.

  • Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows.

  • Limit combustible items (outdoor furniture, planters, etc.) on decks.

  • Relocate firewood and lumber to Zone 2.

  • Consider relocating garbage and recycling containers, boats, RVs, vehicles and other combustible items outside this zone.

Zone 1 

Extends from 5 to 30 feet from any structure.

  • Remove dead plants, grass and weeds and vegetative debris.

  • Trim tree branches to a minimum of 6 feet from the ground.

  • Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.

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

Zone 2

Extends from 30 feet to no less than 100 feet from any structure.

  • Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.

  • Create spacing between shrubs and trees.

  • Reduce “duff”-fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches to a maximum depth of 3 inches.

  • All exposed wood piles must have a minimum of 10 feet of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

Defensible Space Inspections

  • Truckee Fire offers free & educational defensible space inspections to residents looking to learn about and improve defensible space around their properties. Schedule an inspection and a Truckee Fire Inspector will meet onsite at your home or vacant lot.

Contact: dspace@truckeefire.org or 530-582-7888