Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of wildfire. By clearing flammable materials and maintaining your property, you can slow or stop the spread of fire. Defensible space not only helps protect your home but also supports firefighters working in the area. Scroll down to explore guidelines for each of the three defensible space zones.

Zone 1 (0–5 ft): 

This is the most important zone to take immediate action on as it is the most vulnerable to embers. Begin with the house itself, before moving onto other areas. 

• Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers. 

• Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration. 

• Trim branches that hang over your roof or within 10 ft of a chimney 

• Install a 1/8 metal mesh screen in eaves and attic vents to reduce ember penetration.  

• Clean debris from exterior attic vents. 

• Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows  

• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. 

• Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles.  

• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. 

• Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds around your home. 

Zone 2 (5–30 ft): 

• Mow grass regularly to 4″ or less. 

• Space trees at least 10 feet apart. 

• Remove fallen leaves, pine needles, and flammable debris. 

• Clear vegetation from under large stationary propane tanks. 

• Create fuel breaks with driveways, walkways/paths, patios, and decks. 

• Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees). 

Zone 3 (30–100 ft): 

• Thin vegetation to slow fire spread. 

• Maintain clear access path for emergency responders. 

• Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter/debris. 

• Remove dead plant and tree material. 

• Remove small conifers growing between mature trees. 

• Remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds or other outbuildings within this area. 

• Trees 30 to 60 feet from the home should have at least 12 feet between canopy tops.* 

• Trees 60 to 100 feet from the home should have at least 6 feet between the canopy tops.* 

For more information, check out:

NFPA Preparing Homes for Wildfire

NFPA Fact Sheet on Embers