Model Defensible Space Inspection Program

Model Defensible Space Inspection Program is sponsored by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). This program aims to enable local jurisdictions to build their own defensible space programs and provides defensible space assistance with priority for vulnerable populations.

Defensible Space is crucial for your home’s wildfire safety. It’s the buffer zone you create between your property and the surrounding wildland area. This space is key to slowing or stopping wildfire spread and protecting your home from embers, flames, or heat.

It also gives firefighters a safer area to defend your property. Defensible Space Real Estate Request ## Defensible Space Zones **The first five feet from your home is the most important. **Keeping the area closest to buildings, structures, and decks clear will prevent embers from igniting materials that can spread the fire to your home.

**Why? **Learn more about the importance of Zone 0 and the scientific research that demonstrates the importance of this zone with the (Zone 0 At-A-Glance) 1. **Use hardscape** like gravel, pavers, or concrete.

No combustible bark or mulch. 2. **Remove all dead and dying plants**, weeds, and debris (leaves, needles, etc.) from your roof, gutter, deck, porch, stairways, and under any areas of your home.

3. **Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney** or stovepipe outlet. 4.

**Limit combustible items**(like outdoor furniture and planters) on top of decks. 5. **Relocate firewood and lumber** to Zone 2.

6. **Replace combustible fencing, gates, and arbors** attached to the home with noncombustible alternatives. 7.

**Consider relocating garbage and recycling containers**outside this zone. **Consider relocating boats, RVs, vehicles,** and other combustible items outside this zone. Regularly clear dead or dry vegetation and create space between trees.

During times of drought when watering is limited, pay special attention to clearing dead or dying material. **Why? **Removing dead plants and creating space between trees and shrubs creates a buffer for your property and reduces potential fuel for fire.

1. **Remove all dead plants**, grass, and weeds. 2.

**Remove dead or dry leaves**and pine needles. 3. **Trim trees regularly**to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.

**Create a separation**between trees, shrubs, and items that could catch fire, such as patio furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc. Continue reducing potential fuel within 100 feet or the property line. **Why? ** 100 feet of defensible space is required by law.

Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291 1. **Cut or mow annual grass**down to a maximum height of four inches. 2.

**Create horizontal space** between shrubs and trees. (See diagram) 3. **Create vertical space**between grass, shrubs and trees.

(See diagram) 4. **Remove fallen leaves**, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches. However, they may be permitted to a depth of three inches.

5. **Keep 10 feet of clearance around exposed wood piles**, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions. 6.

**Clear areas around outbuildings and propane tanks**. Keep 10 feet of clearance to bare mineral soil and no flammable vegetation for an additional 10 feet around their exterior. ## Your County may have Stricter Standards California has diverse regional climates, and some local government agencies have stricter standards that the State’s minimum requirements.

For example, San Diego County requires 50 feet of clearance in Zone 1. Check with your local fire department or fire protection district for defensible space or weed abatement requirements. If you reside in the following counties, please visit: