How To Create A Defensible Space Against Wildfires
Post Date:08/05/2021 10:03 AM
Creating defensible space is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer created between a building and the vegetation on the property, including grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it protects 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.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT:
Under the County of Marin's Order, issued March 31, 2020, vegetation management work that includes the reduction and/or removal of vegetation in regards to mitigating fire hazards and providing defensible space is determined as an essential service.
For homes located in the Wildland Urban Interface, work shall continue, either personally or by landscapers or gardeners, to conduct this critical fire safety work. Vegetation Management for fire prevention and safety should include, but not be limited to:
Cutting dry grasses and brush 10 feet from roads, driveways, and property lines, 30 feet from the home, and up to 150 feet for homes affected by steep slopes.
Trimming back branches that are smaller than three inches in diameter that is within 10 feet of the structure.
Clearing out dead debris, including buildup of leaves, needles, and tree droppings, from decks, roofs, exterior stairs and walkways, and gutters.
Removing dead vegetation from the property, including the buildup of dead debris and droppings from within shrubs, bushes, and trees.
Limbing up trees by cutting low hanging branches 10 feet from the ground and cutting branches from other trees and shrubs to create adequate spacing.
