Defensible Space is an area between a structure and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat and to provide an opportunity for firefighters to effectively defend the structure. By reducing the amount of flammable vegetation surrounding a home or structure, your property is more likely to survive a wildfire. This is especially valuable in the Wildland Urban Interface or WUI. This is a natural environment where forested land meets urban residential areas.  

Defensible space should be lean, clean and green! The area adjacent to your home, extending at least 30 feet, should be free of flammable vegetation. Thinning out the total amount of vegetation in the defensible space can reduce how quickly a fire will spread. There should not be accumulation of dead vegetation or flammable debris and plants should be kept green and healthy, especially during fire season. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have a beautifully landscaped yard. There are many fire-resistant trees, plants and shrubs that thrive in the Northwest and can assist in the survivability of a home.

Here are some other considerations that can influence survivability during a wildfire:

• Vegetation that allows a fire to move from lower growing plants to taller ones is referred to as ladder fuels. You can reduce ladder fuels by providing separation between the layers of vegetation.
• Remove branches within 15 feet of a chimney.
• Keep your roof and gutters free of dead leaves and pine needles.
• Cover your chimney with a nonflammable screen to prevent embers from escaping.
• Keep woodpiles at least 30 feet from all structures.
• Make sure your property is clearly marked with a nonflammable address sign. 
• Vegetation along access roads and driveways need to be cleared to allow room for emergency vehicles to respond. This includes overhanging tree branches.

More Information & Resources

	LivingWithFire.info Living With Fire is an interagency effort aimed at helping citizens live more safely with the threat of wildfire.
	Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes (PDF) Provides information on landscaping plants than can help create defensible space around your home.

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