Protect Your Home with Defensible Space
Defensible Space: Your First Line of Defense Against Wildfire
Creating and maintaining defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property during a wildfire. It’s not about removing all vegetation—it’s about strategic landscaping and fire-hardened planning that slows the spread of fire and gives firefighters the space they need to defend your home.
What Is Defensible Space?
Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space is designed to reduce fire intensity and eliminate pathways for flames and embers to reach your home.
According to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA):
“Defensible space should extend at least 100 feet from the house, garage, and other buildings—or to the property line”
The Three Zones of Defensible Space
Zone 0: Ember-Resistant Zone (0–5 feet from structures)
Your most critical zone. Keep this area non-combustible.
- Remove all flammable plants, mulch, and materials
- Use gravel, stone, or concrete in place of wood mulch
- Store firewood, propane, and flammable items away from the house
- Clean roofs and gutters of dry leaves and pine needles regularly
Zone 1: Lean, Clean & Green Zone (5–30 feet)
This zone reduces heat and fire intensity near your home.
- Remove all dead or dying vegetation
- Maintain spacing between shrubs and trees (horizontal and vertical)
- Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from roofs and chimneys
- Keep lawns mowed and watered (if permitted during drought)
Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Zone (30–100 feet)
This area is about slowing the fire down before it reaches your home.
- Create horizontal spacing between bushes and trees
- Thin out dense vegetation
- Use fire-resistant plants and ground covers
- Regularly remove leaf litter, twigs, and dry debris
Vegetation Management Tips
From OCFA’s Defensible Space Guide:
- Remove plants on the Undesirable Plant List; replace with drought-tolerant, fire-resistive alternatives
- Trim lower limbs to prevent fire from climbing trees (“ladder fuels”)
- Avoid continuous ground cover that can carry fire
- Create vertical clearance between grass, shrubs, and trees
- Mow and prune regularly—especially during fire season
Note: Always consult with a geologist or professional if your property has slope stability issues.
Why Defensible Space Matters
Wildfires spread through flames, radiant heat, and wind-blown embers. Properly maintained defensible space:
- Increases your home’s chance of survival
- Helps protect your neighborhood
- Gives firefighters a safe zone to defend your home
- Reduces risk of total structure loss
Stay Compliant & Get Help
- Many counties and fire districts require defensible space inspections.
- OCFA offers Wildfire Home Assessments — call (714) 573-6774.
- Visit www.ocfa.org/RSG for vegetation guidelines and checklists.
Be Proactive. Be Fire Safe.
Creating defensible space isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing commitment. A well-maintained yard could be the reason your home survives a wildfire.