NEW Defensible Space (PDF) | Defensible Space
Homeowners Checklist (pdf) | Firesafe Landscaping | Chipping Debris

Fire is always a risk to those living in California. It is part of the natural rhythm of things. Californians are familiar with the devistation caused by fire and the consequences brought upon the burned area for many years there after. Burn, flood and landslide. That is our pattern. Especially here in the California foothills. As our growing foothill population seeks to put us closer to nature, we all need to be aware of how to live safely in our community and minimize the risk of fire.

Foothill residents need to work on fire proofing their properties for fire season. Additionally, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) will be out inspecting for the law (Public Resource Code 4291) that requires fire breaks around all buildings on any mountainous or forest, brush or grass covered land. A big change occurred in this law January 1, 2005. A new section was added which increased the clearance requirements from 30 to 100 feet (or to the property line if closer).

Part of the intent of the new law is to reduce the risk of a large flame front or crown fire from occurring in the outer treated area (30 to 100 feet from the building). A ground fire can quickly climb up into brush and forest fuels. Grass fires spread to the tops of trees by stair stepping through brush, dead tree branches, and smaller trees. This results in a crown fire which is much more difficult to fight due to its sheer volume and propensity to cause spot fires well in advance of the flame front. Crown fires are direct threats to all buildings in their path.

With this in mind, treatment of the new zone (30 to 100 feet) is recommended as follows:

• Remove all brushy vegetation and grass taller than 18 inches.
• Prune tree branches up from the ground.
• Remove all dead limbs, branches, and logs (slash) from ground level.
• Remove all dead and dying standing trees and limbs.
• Thin out the forest canopy and clumps of smaller trees underneath larger trees. **

Contacts:
Richard Imlach, Battalion Chief (209) 532-0821
Steve Hollett, Division Chief (209)754-3831

Defensible space is the base around your home that will give firefighters a fighting chance against fire. It means clearing all dry grass, brush and dead leaves at least 30 feet from your home, and at least 150 feet if you're on a hill.
The key here is "at least." Your local fire department may ask for greater clearance. Contact them for requirements in your area. Defensible space and a fire safe landscape don't mean a ring of bare dirt around your home.
When establishing your landscape, keep trees furthest from your house, shrubs can be closer, and bedding plants and lawns are nearest the house.
Your home may be the biggest investment you ever make. Protect that investment by following these steps to create a fire safe landscape.

• Assess your fire risk. Is your home on a hill? Are you near highly flammable native vegetation or drought-damaged ornamental plants? If your answer is yes, your fire risk is greater than average.
• Contact your local fire department for fire hazard ratings in your neighborhood.
• Plan your landscape to reduce the amount of flammable vegetation nearest your home. Establish defensible space.
• Consider consulting your local nursery or a landscape contractor to help plan your landscape.

• Eliminate the "fire ladder." Fire needs fuel to burn. You can sap its strength by robbing it of the continuous sequence of vegetation that can carry flames from your landscape to your house.
• Group plants of similar height and water requirements to create a "landscape mosaic" that can slow the spread of fire and use water most efficiently.
• Space trees at least 10 feet apart, and keep branches trimmed at least 10 feet from your roof. For trees taller than 18 feet, prune lower branches within six feet of the ground.
• Install fire resistant, drought-tolerant plants that have a high moisture content. Use plants that do not accumulate dead leaves or twigs.
• Use masonry or stone walls to separate plant groups and add variety to your landscape.

• Choose the right irrigation system. While all plants will eventually burn, healthy plants burn less quickly. Your plant selection and water availability will determine the right system for you.
• Consider drip irrigation for watering most of your landscape. It's effective and conserves water because it targets where the water goes and how much gets there.
• Use sprinklers for lawns or turf landscaping. Drip irrigation does not work well on lawns. Sprinklers on timers ensure your lawn is getting the right amount of water to keep it healthy and fire resistant.

• Keep your landscape healthy and clean. On a regular basis, remove dead branches, leaves and pine needles from your yard. These can serve as added fuel to a fire.
• Prune and thin shrubs, trees and other plants to minimize the fuel load.
• Be diligent about cleaning up, especially during fire season. Remove dead leaves from under the plants as well.
• Involve your gardener. If a gardener cares for your property, ask him or her to include these regular maintenance steps as part of the routine service.
• Recycle/compost plant materials. Participate in your community's green waste recycling program. You can also compost plant litter and create a money-saving alternative to store-bought soil and mulch. Grasscycling is another time- and money-saving way to make your green waste work for you.