CREATING AN EFFECTIVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE*

Step One: HOW BIG IS AN EFFECTIVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

The size of the defensible space area is usually expressed as a distance extending outward from the sides of the house. This distance varies by the type of wildland vegetation growing near the house and steepness of the terrain.

On the "Recommended Defensible Space Distance" chart presented below, find the vegetation type and percent slope (see "Homeowners Guide to Calculating Percent Slope") which best describes the area where your house is located. Then find the recommended defensible space distance for your situation.

For example, if your property is surrounded by wildland grasses such as cheatgrass, and is located on flat land, your recommended defensible space distance would extend out 30 feet from the sides of the house. If your house sets on a 25% slope and the adjacent wildland vegetation is dense tall brush, your recommended defensible space distance would be 200 feet.

If the recommended distance goes beyond your property boundaries, contact the adjacent property owner and work cooperatively on creating a defensible space. The effectiveness of defensible space increases when multiple property owners work together. The local assessor's office can provide assistance if the owners of adjacent properties are unknown. Do not work on someone else's property without their permission.

Temporarily mark the recommended distance with flagging or strips of cloth tied to shrubs, trees, or stakes around your home. This will be your defensible space area.

Click to Open a New Window Showing Illustrations of the Steps to Creating Defensible Space

DEFENSIBLE SPACE
		Recommended Distances ~ Steepness of Slope
Vegetation Type
Includes wildland grasses, weeds, and widely scattered shrubs with grass understory.		30 feet	100 feet	100 feet
Includes shrub dominant areas (such as sagebrush, buckbrush, manzanita) and grey pine.		100 feet	200 feet	200 feet
Includes forest areas. If substantial grass or shrub understory is present, use those values shown above.		30 feet	100 feet	200 feet

*Please note the recommendations presented in this article are suggestions made by local firefighters experienced in protecting homes from wildfire. They are not requirements nor do they take precedence oer local ordinances.

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