The SMFD Prevention Team recently took a trip up to the Caldor Fire to observe the disastrous impact the fires made on the community and how having a defensible space around your home is critical. The picture above illustrates.
Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. Defensible space will help slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protect your home from catching fire – either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important to help protect firefighters when they are defending your home.
Three zones make up the required 100 feet of defensible space:
Zone Zero extends zero to five feet from structures, including the building itself, and should be completely free of combustibles.
Zone 1 begins five feet from your house and extends 30 feet away. The most aggressive clearance is required closest to the structure.
Zone 2 lies beyond the home defense zone, extending at least 100 feet from the house or to your property line. Greater defense zone widths may be necessary if your home is on a steep slope or in a windswept exposure.
Creating a defensible space is the law.Fire Departments in Marin recommend strongly that you take action today in creating a defensible space to prepare for wildfires.
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