Wildfire preparedness begins at home. In California, creating defensible space is one of the most effective actions residents can take to reduce the risk of structure ignition. According to CAL FIRE, defensible space improves a home’s chance of survival and provides firefighters a safer area to defend it.

Defensible space is the buffer between your structure and surrounding vegetation. It reduces flame contact, radiant heat, and wind-blown embers, which are responsible for most home ignitions. California law requires 100 feet of defensible space in high fire hazard areas, but protection starts with the first five feet.

In Southern Marin, Southern Marin Fire District emphasizes that wildfire resilience begins with individual properties and strengthens when neighborhoods participate together.

Your Layered Defense 
Defensible space is divided into three zones, each serving a specific purpose.

ZONE 0: 0–5 Feet (Ember-Resistant Zone)
The most critical area. If embers land here, there must be nothing to ignite.

Actions:

• Remove combustible mulch and replace with gravel or stone
• Clear leaves and debris from decks and gutters
• Remove plants touching the home
• Move firewood away from the structure

Zone 0 acts as your home’s ignition buffer.

ZONE 1: 5–30 Feet (Lean, Clean, and Green)
This zone reduces flame intensity and slows fire spread.

Actions:

• Remove dead vegetation
• Keep grass under 4 inches
• Space shrubs apart
• Eliminate ladder fuels
• Trim branches away from chimneys

The goal is smart spacing, not removing all vegetation.

ZONE 2: 30–100 Feet (Fuel Reduction) 
This zone slows wildfire before it reaches your home.

Actions:

• Remove fallen leaves and dead material
• Thin trees for horizontal spacing
• Separate shrubs from tree canopies
• Increase spacing on slopes

Why It Matters
Each zone works together as a layered defense system:

• Zone 0 prevents ember ignition
• Zone 1 reduces heat and flame contact
• Zone 2 slows fire spread

Wildfire does not recognize property lines. When neighbors maintain defensible space collectively, protection increases for everyone.

Creating defensible space is not just about compliance, it is about protecting lives, homes, and our community. Spring is the perfect time to begin!