The Three Zones of Defensible Space

ZONE 1:  Defensible Space

Zone 1 is the most important space if you live in the wildland/urban interface. It is the area of maximum modification and treatment and it should be designed as a barrier to fire. It must be defensible if firefighters are to make a stand here.

• Maintain a grass lawn
• Use non-combustible surfaces such as stone, concrete or brick for patios and decks
• Ornamental shrubs should be fireresistant and no taller than 18"
• Eliminate all conifers within this zone
• Prune tree limbs 6' to 10' above the ground
• Trim limbs within 15' of chimney or roof
• Stack firewood outside this zone
• Remove dead vegetation (trees, shrubs, branches, leaves and needles)

ZONE 2:  The Mid-Zone

30 feet - 70 feet from structures on level ground.  Increase by 10 feet for each additional 10 percent of slope.

Zone 2 is a transitional area between Zones 1 and 3. It is an area of fuel reduction and for landscaping with fire resistant trees and shrubs and planting orchards and gardens.

• Spacing between shrubs should be at least twice as wide as their height
• Prune lower limbs of trees 6' to 10' from ground
• Plant only fire-resistant trees and shrubs
• ∆ Keep grass mowed
• ∆ Clear vegetation within 10' of woodpiles and LP tanks

ZONE 3:  The Outermost Zone

70 feet or more from structures

Zone 3 is an area of traditional forest management.  It extends from the outside edge of Zone 2 for several hundred feet or to your property boundary. 

• Thin trees so there is at least 10' of space between crowns
• Prune tree limbs to 10' from the ground
• No accumulation of dead wood on ground
• No groups of dead trees

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