How to Create
Defensible Space

Following California Standards for Maximum Wildfire Protection

Defensible space is the critical buffer you create between your home and the surrounding vegetation to protect against wildfires. California law requires property owners in wildfire-prone areas to maintain defensible space around their homes, ensuring safety for both residents and firefighters. Here's how to create defensible space following California's standards.

FACT

Homes with well-maintained defensible space are significantly more likely to survive wildfires. According to CAL FIRE, defensible space slows or halts the spread of fire, reducing the intensity of flames and embers near homes and providing firefighters with a safer area to defend the property.

California's Defensible Space Zones

Discover the rules, regulations, and guidelines for creating a safe space around your home.

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

While not legally required yet, Zone 0 is key for wildfire defense and preventing fires from spreading to your home. Here are the current guidelines: 

  • Use gravel, pavers, or concrete instead of combustible mulch

  • Clear dead weeds, grass, and debris; check roofs, gutters, and outdoor areas

  • Keep branches trimmed 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipes

  • Minimize combustible items like furniture and planters on decks

  • Move firewood and lumber to Zone 2 for safety

  • Replace combustible fencing and gates with fire-resistant materials

  • Shift garbage and recycling containers to a safer area outside this zone

  • Relocate boats, RVs, and vehicles away from this zone to reduce fire risks

Zone 1 – Lean, Clean, and Green Zone

Zone 1 extends 30 feet from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to your property line, whichever is closer.

  • Clear all dead plants, grass, and weeds

  • Remove dead leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof, and gutters

  • Trim overhanging branches and keep them 10 feet from your chimney

  • Regularly trim trees to maintain a 10-foot gap from others

  • Move wood piles to Zone 2

  • Prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows

  • Clear flammable vegetation and items from under decks, balconies, and stairs

  • Maintain space between trees, shrubs, and flammable items like patio furniture and wood piles

  • Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them

Zone 2 – Reduce Fuel Zone

Zone 2 extends from 30 feet to 100 feet out from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to your property line, whichever is closer.

  • Trim annual grass to a maximum height of 4 inches

  • Space out shrubs and trees horizontally (See diagram)

  • Ensure vertical spacing between grass, shrubs, and trees (See diagram)

  • Remove fallen leaves, needles, and small branches, but can leave up to 3 inches

  • Keep exposed wood piles at least 10 feet clear from surroundings, down to the soil

  • Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them

Request a Free Defensible Space Assessment

Want to know how wildfire-ready your property is? Schedule a free Defensible Space Assessment with our experts. We’ll provide personalized recommendations tailored to your property’s unique needs.

What’s Included in the Assessment:

  • Evaluation of your existing defensible space zones.

  • Identification of fire hazards, including ladder fuels and combustible materials.

  • Actionable steps to bring your property up to California standards.

How it works:

  1. Book Your Appointment – Use the booking form below to schedule a convenient time.

  2. Assessment Visit – Our certified team will thoroughly evaluate your property, identifying hazards and offering customized suggestions to improve fire safety.

  3. Receive Your Report – After the assessment, you'll receive a detailed report with clear steps to improve your property’s defensible space.

Defensible Space Videos

Learn how to create and maintain defensible space with these educational videos:

Download Defensible Space Materials

Equip yourself with the right tools and information for wildfire prevention:

Access free downloadable resources to guide your wildfire preparation efforts:

  • Defensible Space Checklist
    A comprehensive guide to creating and maintaining defensible space around your property.
    Download Checklist

  • California Defensible Space Standards
    Detailed information on state requirements for defensible space to ensure compliance and safety.
    Download Standards

  • Planting Guide for Fire-Resistant Landscaping
    Recommendations for selecting and maintaining fire-resistant plants suitable for California's climate.
    Download Planting Guide

  • Ready for Wildfire Guide
    An all-encompassing manual covering wildfire preparedness, including evacuation planning and home hardening tips.
    Download Guide

For additional resources and information, visit the Ready for Wildfire website.

Start Protecting Your Home Today
Defensible space is one of the most effective steps you can take to reduce wildfire risks. Protect your property and improve community safety by creating your defensible space now.