Defensible
Space Information
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
Monsoon structure defense system used in conjunction
with a 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.
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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 vegitation
from around his property. His home has a high chance
of surviving a wildfire.
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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.
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:
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