One of the best defenses against wildfire is defensible space, which is the buffer around your home that reduces how quickly fire can spread.
Defensible space zones
- 0 to 5 feet from structures:
Remove dry leaves, needles, and flammable materials. This zone should stay clean and clear. - 5 to 30 feet:
Trim shrubs, clear dead plants, and keep grass short. Space vegetation so fire can’t climb into trees. - 30 to 100 feet:
Thin trees and remove dead or overcrowded growth. Keep lower branches trimmed up away from the ground.
Seasonal checklist
- Clean gutters, roofs, and decks regularly.
- Move firewood, propane tanks, and other combustibles away from buildings.
- Trim branches away from roofs and power lines.
- Maintain driveways and access routes for emergency crews.
These steps don’t just protect your property, they help firefighters protect your neighborhood.