Fire Safety Guidelines

    Comprehensive guidelines for creating defensible space, hardening your home, and preparing for wildfire season. Protect your property and family with proven strategies.

    Defensible Space Management

    Create and maintain defensible space around your home using the three-zone approach recommended by fire safety experts.

    Zone 1
    0-5 feet from structure

    Immediate Zone - Highest priority area

    • Remove all dead or dying vegetation
    • Remove tree branches within 10 feet of chimney
    • Keep lawn and plants well-watered and maintained
    • Use fire-resistant plants and materials
    • Clear gutters and roof of debris regularly
    Zone 2
    5-30 feet from structure

    Intermediate Zone - Create fuel breaks

    • Create horizontal spacing between shrub clusters
    • Remove ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fire to climb)
    • Prune tree branches 6-10 feet from ground
    • Create 10-foot clearance around woodpiles
    • Maintain irrigated areas and green lawns
    Zone 3
    30-100+ feet from structure

    Extended Zone - Reduce fire intensity

    • Thin trees to create 10-foot spacing between crowns
    • Remove dead and dying trees and shrubs
    • Create shaded fuel breaks along ridgelines
    • Maintain access routes for emergency vehicles
    • Follow local fire department recommendations

    Home Hardening Strategies

    Strengthen your home's resistance to wildfire with these proven hardening techniques for roofs, siding, windows, and outdoor structures.

    Roof & Gutters

    • Use fire-resistant roofing materials (Class A rated)
    • Install gutter guards and clean gutters regularly
    • Seal gaps in roof decking and cover vents
    • Remove overhanging tree branches

    Siding & Windows

    • Use fire-resistant siding materials
    • Install dual-pane or tempered glass windows
    • Screen exterior attic vents with 1/8 inch mesh
    • Seal gaps around utility penetrations

    Decks & Fencing

    • Use fire-resistant decking materials
    • Enclose underside of decks and balconies
    • Create defensible space around deck perimeter
    • Use non-combustible fencing materials when possible

    Fire-Resistant Landscaping

    Choose plants and landscaping materials that are less likely to ignite and spread fire.

    Recommended Trees

    Recommended Shrubs

    Ground Cover

    Emergency Preparedness

    Be ready to evacuate safely with a comprehensive emergency plan and supplies.

    Create an Evacuation Plan

    • Identify multiple evacuation routes from your neighborhood
    • Establish a family meeting point outside the fire zone
    • Practice evacuation routes with all family members
    • Keep vehicle fueled and ready to go during fire season

    Prepare Emergency Supplies

    • Go-bag with 72 hours of supplies for each person
    • Important documents in waterproof container
    • Medications and first aid supplies
    • Battery-powered radio and flashlights
    • Cash and copies of identification

    Stay Informed

    • Sign up for local emergency alerts
    • Monitor weather conditions and fire danger ratings
    • Follow local fire department social media accounts
    • Know your area's evacuation zones and procedures

    Additional Resources

    Official resources and tools to help you stay informed and prepared.

    CAL FIRE

    Official California fire information and current conditions

    Visit Resource

    Ready.gov - Wildfires

    Federal emergency management wildfire preparedness guide

    Visit Resource

    Firewise USA

    National program helping communities reduce wildfire risk

    Visit Resource

    California Fire Safe Council

    Statewide organization promoting fire safe practices

    Visit Resource

    Check Your Defensible Space Score Today

    Take the first step toward better wildfire preparedness and potentially improved insurance availability.

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