Defensible Space
Defensible Space is critical to the survivability of your home in the event of wildfire. It helps improve the survivability of the structure, creates buffers to slow or stop the spread of fire and provides a safer area for firefighting personnel to defend your home.
Defensible Space Zones and Guidelines:
- Zone 0 (0-5ft) – Ember Resistant Zone [+]
- Use gravel, pavers, or concrete instead of combustible mulch
- Clear dead weeds, grass, and debris; check roofs, gutters, decks and porches
- Keep branches trimmed 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipes
- Move firewood and lumber to Zone 2 for safety
***These Zone Zero guidelines are not official but are highly recommended. The official guidelines are being worked on by the Board of Forestry. Click on the link to learn more about Zone Zero:
https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/defensible-space-zones-0-1-and-2
- Zone 1 (0-30ft) – Lean, Clean, and Green Zone [+]
- Clear all dead plants, grass, and weeds
- Remove dead leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof, and gutters
- Trim overhanging branches and keep them 10 feet from your chimney
- Move wood piles to Zone 2
- Prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows
- Clear flammable vegetation and items from under decks, balconies, and stairs
- Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them
- Zone 2 (30-100ft) – Reduce Fuel Zone [+]
- Trim annual grass to a maximum height of 4 inches
- Space out shrubs and trees horizontally
- Ensure vertical spacing between grass, shrubs, and trees
- Remove fallen leaves, needles, and small branches, but can leave up to 3 inches
- Keep exposed wood piles at least 10 feet clear from surroundings, down to the soil
- Ensure outbuildings and LPG tanks have 10 feet of clear space to bare soil and no flammable vegetation within an additional 10 feet around them
Learn more about these zones from CALFIRE’s website:
https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/defensible-space/
El Dorado County Ordinance Code §8.09 – Vegetation Management. This link provides what the defensible space guidelines are for all of properties located in El Dorado County (Expect for the City of Placerville).
https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety-Justice/Wildfire-Disaster/Office-of-Wildfire-Preparedness-and-Resilience/Defensible-Space/Defensible-Space-Ordinance
Defensible Space Checklist. Here is the checklist and sample form of what is looked for and required during an inspection.
Request an Inspection or Assessment
If you have any questions or concerns, please email mitigatewildfire@cameronpark.org