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Learn How to Create Defensible Space Around Your Home

After reviewing this content, do you know how to create defensible space around your home?

California law requires 100 feet of defensible space around your home (or to the property line). Learn how to create defensible space around your home to stop the spread of wildfires.

Illustration of a home surrounded by trees with key defensible spaces marked with numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

California law requires 100 feet of defensible space around homes and structures (or to the property line).*

*Refers to California Law PRC 4291

How to prepare your homes for wildfires

As the thread of wildfires in California continues to grow, it is important that we all take steps to protect our homes and businesses.

Icon of vegetation spaced widely apart, and icon of a fuel break

Tips for defensible space

Number One. Leave space between planted vegetation. The space can prevent pathways that allow fires to spread.

Number Two. Create “fuel breaks” such as driveways, gravel walkways or lawns.

Icon of tree trimmings disposed in bins, and icon of a lawn mower.

Number Three. Dispose of tree trimmings and other debris quickly, particularly those less than 4 inches in diameter.

Number Four. Cut grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches, mowing before 10 a.m. and never on hot or windy days. Consider trimming grass with a string trimmer.

Icon of leaves and twigs, and icon of lower tree branches

Number 5. Remove surface litter, such as leaves, pine needles, twigs, bark, cones and pods.

Number 6. Remove lower tree branches at least six feet from the ground.

Illustration of a home with key defensible spaces to protect in case of a wildfire marked with numbers

Icon of leaves in a rain gutter, and icon of a woodpile and propane tank.

Number 7. Keep rain gutters clear by removing dead leaves and pine needles

Number 8. Move flammable materials away from your home, such as wood piles or propane tanks

Icon of patio furniture, and icon of fire-resistant plant.

Number 9. Separate items that can catch fire from trees and shrubs. This includes things like patio furniture or swing sets.

Number 10. Strategically landscape with fire-resistant plants. The right ones can also conserve water and increase your property value.

Icon of branches overhanging a roof, and icon of low shrub near a power line.

Number Eleven. Trim branches that hang over your roof.

Number Twelve. Only plan low-growing shrubs or trees near power distribution lines.

TO LEARN MORE TIPS FOR DEFENSIBLE SPACE, VISIT READYFORWILDFIRE.ORG

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