Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it, and is essential in improving your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat.  Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.

Zone 1, Immediate Zone 0 - 5’

• Continuous hardscape or approved plantings only
• Vegetation must be irrigated and kept under 18” in height
• Use of mulch or other combustible material prohibited

Zone 2, Intermediate Zone 5 – 50’

• Low growth, drought tolerant, and fire-resistant plant species only
• Vegetation must be irrigated and kept under 10’ in height
• Trees must be limited and kept under 30’ in height or as approved by the FAHJ
• Firewood must be stacked neatly and not less than 30’ away from buildings and structures, not less than 10’ away from property lines, and not under tree canopies

Zone 3, Extended Zone 50 – 100’

• Drought tolerant and fire-resistant plant species of moderate height only
• Brush and trees shall limbed up off the ground so that the lowest branches are 1/3 the height of the brush or tree, or 6’ off the ground on mature brush or trees