Creating an Effective Defensible Space...Part I

Are you worried about the wildfire threat to your home, but aren't sure how to get started in making your home defensible? Follow these six steps to an effective defensible space...

STEP ONE: HOW BIG IS AN EFFECTIVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

 

The Size of the defensible space area is usually expressed as a distance extending outward from the side of the house. This distance caries by the type of wildland vegetation growing near the house and the steepness of the terrain.

On the "Recommended Defensible Space Distance" chart presented above, find the vegetation type and percent slope (see "Homeowners Guide to Calculating Percent Slope" below. Save the diagram to your PC and print.) which best describes the area where your house is located. Then find the recommended defensible space distance for your situation.

For example, if your property is surrounded by annual grass, and is located on flat land, your recommended defensible space distance would extend 30 feet from the sides of the house. If your house is on a 25% slope and the adjacent wildland vegetation is dense tall brush, your recommended defensible space distance would be 200 feet.

If the recommended distance goes beyond your property boundaries, contact the adjacent property owner and work cooperatively on creating a defensible space. The effectiveness of defensible space increases when multiple property owners work together. The local assessor's office can provide assistance if the owners of adjacent properties are unknown. Do not work on someone else's property without their permission.

Temporarily mark the recommended distance with flagging or strips of cloth tied to shrubs, trees, or takes around your home. This will be your defensible space are.

STEP TWO: IS THERE ANY DEAD VEGETATION WITHIN THE RECOMMENDED DEFENSIBLE SPACE AREA?

Dead vegetation includes dead trees and shrubs, dead branches lying on the ground or still attached to living plants, dried grass, flowers and weeds, dropped leaves and needles, and firewood stacks. In most instances, dead vegetation should be removed from the recommended defensible space area. A description of the types of dead vegetation and the recommended actions will be presented tomorrow in,  Part II of  'Creating an Effective Defensible Space.'