Best Practices for Creating Defensible Space to Protect Against Wildfires

Defensible space is your frontline defense against the threat of wildfires. By strategically managing vegetation and fuel loads around your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage. Follow these best practices to create effective defensible space and enhance your property’s resilience against wildfires:

1. Zone Planning: Divide your property into three zones to create a well-structured defensible space.
   • Zone 1 (0-30 feet): This immediate area should be free of combustible materials. Clear away dry leaves, debris, and flammable vegetation. Trim overhanging branches and maintain a non-combustible surface.
   • Zone 2 (30-100 feet): Thin out vegetation, especially dense trees and shrubs. Maintain proper spacing between plants to prevent fire from spreading. Create vertical spacing between shrubs and trees to eliminate ladder fuels.
   • Zone 3 (100+ feet): Focus on reducing the density of vegetation and maintaining a healthy forest. Remove dead or diseased trees, and space out trees to prevent the spread of fire.
2. Fuel Reduction: Regularly remove dead vegetation, fallen leaves, and tree limbs. Keep grass mowed and create space between plants to limit the continuous fuel supply for wildfires.
3. Pruning: Trim tree branches up to 6-10 feet above the ground to prevent fires from climbing into tree canopies. This reduces the risk of crown fires, which can spread rapidly.
4. Landscape Design: Opt for fire-resistant plants and materials in your landscaping. Choose plants that are low in flammability and maintain a well-watered and maintained landscape.
5. Clearing Combustibles: Store firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials away from your home and at a safe distance from structures.
6. Defensible Space Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your defensible space. As vegetation grows, continue to thin and prune to ensure the space remains effective.
7. Safe Equipment Use: If using equipment like lawnmowers or chainsaws, do so during cooler, less windy hours. Make sure equipment is in good working condition to avoid sparks that could ignite a fire.
8. Firebreaks and Pathways: Create firebreaks by removing vegetation or installing non-combustible materials to prevent fire spread. Ensure pathways around your property are clear and accessible for emergency vehicles.
9. Emergency Access: Provide easy access for firefighting vehicles by maintaining driveways and roads clear of obstacles.
10. Collaboration: Coordinate with neighbors to collectively create defensible spaces. Community-wide efforts enhance overall fire protection.
11. Professional Consultation: Consider seeking advice from fire professionals or local fire departments for expert guidance on effective defensible space planning.
12. Stay Informed: Stay updated on local fire conditions and evacuation plans. Be prepared to act swiftly if a wildfire threatens your area.

Creating and maintaining an effective defensible space is a proactive step in safeguarding your home and property from the dangers of wildfires. By implementing these best practices, you contribute to a safer and more resilient community in the face of fire emergencies.

ALSO READ:

Ways You Can Help Stop Wildfires at Home

Best Ways to Put Out and Prevent Wildfires

Sources:

Fire Science core curriculum-Module 5 from OSU, and experience creating defensible space on the farm growing up.