Defensible Space

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. **
** Note: Trees that are being commercialized require a permit from CDF. CDF’s goal for this year is to educate the public on the need for the added clearance requirement, and to allow them adequate time to get the proper work completed. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and concern in making all the foothill communities more fire safe.
Contacts:
Richard Imlach, Battalion Chief (209) 532-0821
Steve Hollett, Division Chief (209)754-3831
Events
Calaveras Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Supervisor District 3 Town Hall
Board of Supervisors Chambers | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Mountain Youth and Community Theatre | 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Mind Over Matter
Tuolumne County Enrichment Center | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Celebrating Friendships Quilt Show
Gateway Community Church of Groveland | 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park | 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sweeney Todd performance
Mountain Youth and Community Theatre | 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Sonora Farmers' Market
Sonora Farmers Market | 7:30 am - 11:30 am
Tuolumne Country Veterans Hall | 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Farmers Market
Murphys Community Park | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Railtown 1897 Weekend Excursion Trains
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park | 10:30 am - 4:00 pm