How Can I Make My Home Fire Safe? Create defensible space around your home modify the vegetation around your home so you, the homeowner, or firefighters can safely defend against a wildfire.
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What Does That Mean? California law requires a 100-foot clearance (defensible space) around all structures. Wildfire researchers have proven that a clearance of 100 feet is your best defense against threat of wildfire. The larger your area of defensible space is, the more protection you have against wildfire. |
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Tips For Creating a Safe Zone in Your Yard
Don't leave your ground bare - bare ground can be an erosion hazard
Reduce ground cover (shrub) height to less than twelve inches in the 30 foot zone, less than 18 inches in the 100 foot zone
Thin yard trees so canopies do not touch
Prune lower branches of yard trees to eliminate ladder fuels
Favor slow burning plants
Move combustible material away from buildings (such as firewood and lumber)
Enclose deck foundations
Keep rain gutters clear of leaves, needles, etc.
Clear at least 10 feet around propane tanks
Remove all tree branches within 20 feet of a chimney and 10 feet of the roof
Tool List
Keep the following fire defense tools ready and handy:
A round point shovel with a long handle
A rake with a long handle
A ladder tall enough to reach the roof
One or more 5-pound fire extinguishers
At least one bucket
Hoses connected to all exterior faucets
A garbage can full of water with a bailing bucket
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What More Can You Do?
Develop a family response and evacuation plan
Determine a second or secondary escape route
Be sure to include pets and livestock in your preparation plans
Consider purchase of a portable pump and 100' length of hose to use with pool or pond in case of emergency
Can Emergency Vehicles Find Your Home?
Keep your driveway clear and accessible to fire engines. Remember they are twice as big as a car
Make sure your street number is clearly visible from the road. Use 4 to 6 inch reflective numbers to mark your address
Work with neighbors to keep your street clean
Locate and clearly mark all fire hydrants in your neighborhood
