defensible space

 
 

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.

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.

  • Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks, balconies and stairs.

  • 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 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.