Make your land accessible and defensible. Structures have a far better chance of surviving a wildfire when homeowners create defensible space around them. A defensible space is an area at least 30 feet around a structure where fire fuels are significantly reduced.

AT HOME

• The area up to 30 feet from the house should be fire resistant, without brush or dead wood on the ground.

• If you are on a slope, mitigate 100’–200’ downhill from your house as well – the steeper the slope, the further you should go (only on your property). Team up with your neighbors for mutual safety.

• Do not ever use or tamper with fire hydrants.

CREATE A DEFENSIBLE SPACE AROUND YOUR HOUSE

• Keep trees and branches at least 10’ from structures, with a mineral base underneath.

• Stack firewood 30 feet from structures and uphill if possible.

• Keep gutters free of combustible debris.

• Cut dry grass to 3” high and remove brush up to 30’ from your house.

• Screen off under decks and porches and place metal screens over all vents and other openings.

• Under decks, cover ground with gravel and do not store anything.

• Move firewood to at least 30’ uphill from any structure.

• Clear any debris off roofs, out of gutters and away from corners of the house.

• Look for nesting birds and other wildlife before removing vegetation.