Defensible Space Around Your Home

Even the best structure defense technologies won’t work without the key to home fire defense: DEFENSIBLE SPACE. Defensible space is an area around a structure where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread of wildfire towards the structure. It also reduces the chance of a structure fire moving from the building to the surrounding forest. Defensible space provides room for firefighters to do their jobs. Your house is more likely to withstand a wildfire if grasses, brush, trees and other common forest fuels are managed to reduce a fire’s intensity. Two factors have emerged as the primary determinants of a home’s ability to survive wildfire. These are:

  • The home’s roofing material
  • The quality of the “defensible space” surrounding it.

Use fire-resistive materials (Class C or better rating), not wood or shake shingles, to roof homes in or near forests and grasslands. When your roof needs significant repairs or replacement, do so with a fire-resistant roofing material. Check with your county building department. Some counties now restrict wood roofs or require specific classifications of roofing material.

Defensible space allows firefighters to safely defend property. A sensible defensible space plan increases the chances of your home surviving a wildland fire. Note how this home was saved because of it’s defensible space.
 Under normal circumstances, a fire would quickly move uphill, heating up and then burning anything uphill from it. Note how this homeowner removed brush and thick vegetation from around his property. His home has a high chance of surviving a wildfire.

Quick Facts on Defensible Space:

  • Wildfire will find the weakest links in the defense measures you have taken on your property.
  • The primary determinants of a home’s ability to survive wildfire are its roofing material and the quality of the defensible space surrounding it.
  • Even small steps to protect your home and property will make them more able to withstand fire.
  • Consider these measures for all areas of your property, not just the immediate vicinity of the house.
  • Quite often during a wildfire threat, fire agencies will pre-deem a home a casualty because of bad defensible space. This decision is made before the fire gets there!! The means the agency will use resources on a home with a better chance of survival.

From Firewise.org, here is your defensible space and FireWise annual safety checklist:

  • Trees and shrubs are properly thinned and pruned within the defensible space. Slash from the thinning is disposed of.
  • Roof and gutters are clear of leaves, needles, and other debris.
  • Branches overhanging the roof and chimney are removed.
  • Chimney screens are in place and in good condition.
  • Grass and weeds are mowed to a low height.
  • An outdoor water supply is available, complete with a hose and nozzle that can reach all parts of the house.
  • Fire extinguishers are checked and in working condition.
  • The driveway is wide enough. The clearance of trees and branches is adequate for fire and emergency equipment. (Check with your local fire department.)
  • Road signs and your name and house number are posted and easily visible.
  • There is an easily accessible tool storage area with rakes, hoes, axes and shovels for use in case of fire.
  • You have practiced family fire drills and your fire evacuation plan.
  • Your escape routes, meeting points and other details are known and understood by all family members.
  • Attic, roof, eaves and foundation vents are screened and in good condition. Stilt foundations and decks are enclosed, screened or walled up.
  • Trash and debris accumulations are removed from the defensible space.
  • READ MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME FIREWISE

The Groom Creek Fire District offers our Defensible Space / Hazardous Fuels Reduction services to homeowners in our community in order to help create this all-important defensible space.

Want to learn more about defensible space and how to protect your home from wildland fire? Here are some other sites you may want to visit:

Schedule an Assessment:

  • Contact: Jeff Archer at the Groom Creek Fire District
  • Phone: 928-778-6519. Office availability is not always guaranteed due to field work.
  • Email: