100 Feet of Defensible Space is the
Law
In January 2005 a new state law became effective that extended
the defensible space clearance around homes and structures from 30
feet to 100 feet. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically
increases the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. This
defensible space also provides for firefighter safety when
protecting homes during a wildland fire.
Check our the California Department of Forestry Website for more
information.
Fire is a fact of life in our community.
The climate and scenery that make this such a desirable
place to live, also make it desirable for fire. It's
really of matter of when, not if a fire will occur. The
individual impact of these fires will vary greatly depending on
your family's preparedness. All the fire engines in
the world won't be able to stop a fire if the conditions
are right and you haven't taken these simple and common sense
steps:
Summer
- Create a "defensible space" by
removing all flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from all
structures.
- Landscape with fire resistant
plants.
- On slopes or high fire hazard areas,
remove flammable vegetation out to 100 feet or more.
- Space native trees and shrubs at
least 10 feet apart.
- For trees taller that 18 feet, remove
lower branches within six feet of the ground.
- Plant trees which will not interfere
with power lines.
- Remove dead leaves, needles, and
woodpiles at least 30 feet from all structures.
- Keep your driveway accessible and
clearly marked. Fire engines need access which is
approximately 12 feet wide and 12 tall.
In the event of a major incident in
our district, it is very likely that many more homes will be
threatened than fire engines are available. If you haven't
taken some of these steps, it's unlikely crews will be
able to save your home and may be forced to drive down the road and
find a home that's defensible. Help us help you!
Winter
- Have your chimney cleaned
regularly.
- Make sure and have a spark arrestor on
your chimney.
- Clear all leaves and needles from your
roof and gutters.
- Never store cleaned-out fireplace
ashes in the garbage or in combustible containers. This
sounds like common sense but many people don't realize the ashes
can smolder for days.
- Never overload the capacity
of electrical outlets.
Year
Around
- Change you smoke detector batteries
twice a year, at daylight savings switch.
- Designate a meeting place
outside your home.
- Secure your water heater and never
store flammable liquids such as gasoline in the same area.
- Discuss stop, drop, and roll
techniques with your family.
Download CDF's Homeowner's
Checklist
Download a free fire prevention guide, courtesy of
Sonoma County Office of Emergency Services.
| 
