Learn How to Create Defensible Space Around Your Home

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How to Prepare Your Home for Wildfires

As the threat of wildfires in California continues to grow, it is important that we all take steps to protect our homes and businesses. California law requires 100 feet of defensible space around your home (or to the property line).

Illustration of home with 100 feet of defensible space around it

Tips for defensible space

Illustration of planted vegetation

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

Illustration of a fuel break

2. Create "fuel breaks" such as driveways, gravel walkways or lawns.

Illustration of disposed tree trimmings

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

Illustration of grass trimmer

4. 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.

Illustration of tree surface litter

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

Illustration of tree with low branches

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

Illustration of clogged rain gutter

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

Illustration of flammable materials

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

Illustration of patio furniture

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

Illustration of fire-resistant plant

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

Illustration of branches hanging over a roof

11. Trim branches that hang over your roof.

Illustration of low-growing shrub near a power line

12. Only plant low-growing shrubs or trees near power distribution lines.

To learn more tips for defensible space, visit www.readyforwildfire.org

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