zone 0: 0-5ft. Immediate - Ember Resistant Zone

Zone 0, sometimes referred to as the 'Ember Resistant Zone,' extends 0 to 5 feet from your house. It is the area closest to your house, including plants, decks, outdoor furniture, and the outside walls and coverings. This area is the most vulnerable and should be more aggressively maintained for fire resistance. When wildfire embers land in this area, they ignite any combustible material, which in turn can ignite your home. Gravel mulch and hardscaping are very effective in this area.

zone 1: 5-30ft. Intermediate - Lean, Clean & Green

In this zone, which extends from 5 to 30 feet from the home, remove dead vegetation and debris, and maintain spacing between shrubs and trees. Remove 'ladder fuels' (i.e., trees or shrubs that are growing under other trees) because they can increase the probability of fire moving into the tree canopy. Keep the vegetation in this zone irrigated. Hardscape and plant islands or beds can help maintain horizontal separation to reduce the spread of fire.

zone 2:
30-100ft. Extended - Fuel Reduction

Zone 2 extends from 30 feet to at least 100 feet. Fuels need to be reduced in this zone. Dead grass, weeds, plants, and shrubs should be removed. Shaded fuel breaks that favor the growth of large native species by removing the understory, ladder fuels, and invasive species can favorably modify wildfire behavior while providing the foundation for a healthy and resilient forest.

Steep Slopes

When homes are located on steep slopes, decks commonly overhang the slope below, and this downslope area is often heavily vegetated. Prioritize defensible space actions so that flames from burning vegetation cannot reach the underside of the deck and ignite, with subsequent ignition of the home.

Dense Neighborhoods

Dense neighborhoods with homes close together have an increased risk of building-to-building ignition because of the radiated heat and potential flames that are generated if a neighbor’s home burns. Prioritize actions to reduce the possibility of homes igniting each other. Intensify defensible space by thinning trees and shrubs between homes. Engage in neighborhood conversations to encourage all neighbors to take actions to reduce their own vulnerability to wildfire.

Fuel Break – Strategically cleared or reduced vegetation strip to slow fire.

Fuel Modification – Reducing flammable material to lower fire intensity.

Fuel Ladder / Ladder Fuels – Vegetation layers that let fire climb from ground to tree canopy.

Canopy Separation – Spacing trees to prevent crown fire spread.

Horizontal & Vertical Clearance – Required spacing between plants and between vegetation and structures.

Fire-Resistant / Firewise Landscaping – Use of plants with low flammability.

Plant Spacing Guidelines – Recommended distances to reduce fire risk.

Mulch Types – Fire-resistant mulch vs. combustible mulch.

Pruning Standards – Seasonal and height guidelines for branches.

Dead Material Removal – Clearing dead grass, leaves, branches.

Tree Crown Lift – Removing lower branches to prevent ladder fuels.

Vegetation Management Plans (VMP) – Documented approach for ongoing maintenance.

Irrigation Zones – Hydrating plants to maintain fire resistance.

Annual Inspections – Seasonal defensible space checks.

Ongoing Debris Management – Regular clearing of leaf litter and pine needles.

Seasonal Burn Windows – Timing prescribed burns for safety.

Invasive Species Removal – Removing plants with high flammability.

Spotting & Ember Cast – Embers traveling ahead of the main fire front.

Radiant Heat Reduction – Lowering heat output by spacing and clearing fuels.

Topographic Influences – Slopes and wind exposure increasing fire intensity.

Fire Weather Indicators – Wind, humidity, temperature thresholds.

Slope Management – Fuel reduction in steep terrain.

Drip Irrigation & Xeriscaping – Water-efficient, fire-conscious planting.

Defensible Space for Historic Properties – Balancing preservation and safety.

Livestock Grazing for Fuel Reduction – Targeted grazing programs.

Evacuation Route Clearance – Ensuring roads are passable during fire.

Seasonal Growth Management – Mowing, grazing, or cutting before fire season.