Defensible Space Zones

FIRST  FIVE  FEET

Zone 0 – Ember-Resistant Zone

Zone 0 extends 5 feet from buildings, structures, decks, etc.

The ember-resistant zone is currently not required by law, but science has proven it to be the most important of all the defensible space zones. This zone includes the area under and around all attached decks and requires the most stringent wildfire fuel reduction. The ember-resistant zone is designed to keep fire or embers from igniting materials that can spread the fire to your home. The following provides guidance for this zone, which may change based on the regulation developed by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

• Use hardscape like gravel, pavers, concrete, and other noncombustible mulch materials. No combustible bark or mulch
• Remove all dead and dying weeds, grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, and vegetative debris (leaves, needles, cones, bark, etc.);
• Check your roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairways, etc.
• Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet
• Limit plants in this area to low growing, nonwoody, properly watered and maintained plants
• Limit combustible items (outdoor furniture, planters, etc.) on top of decks
• Relocate firewood and lumber to Zone 2 (30-100 feet from home)
• Replace combustible fencing, gates, and arbors attached to the home with noncombustible alternatives
• Consider relocating garbage and recycling containers outside this zone
• Consider relocating boats, RVs, vehicles, and other combustible items outside this zone

  Drought Factsheet Outdoors

  Drought Factsheet Indoors

  Water Conservation Tips

The Firewise emphasis for the month of June is "Focus on the First 5 Feet".   This is the area closest to your house, including plants, decks, and outdoor furniture.  This area is most vulnerable and should be more aggressively maintained for fire resistance.  Read on for some great ideas and considerations...

Focus on the First 5 Feet