How to Use Defensible Space to Protect Your Home From Wildfires

If you live in an area where wildfires threaten your home and possessions, defensible space adds an important layer of protection. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), embers and small flames are the main way homes catch on fire in wildfires.  

Fire-resistant landscaping can decrease the odds of an ember or small flame reaching your home and starting a fire. Here’s what to know.  

What Is Defensible Space?

Defensible space is a zone around your property that’s less likely to burn. That’s because plants and debris in these areas have been cleared out, reduced or treated. Defensible space also gives firefighters more room to operate safely if a fire does reach your property.  

Fire-Resistant Landscaping Tips

You want to minimize the risk of fire spreading from side to side as well as vertically. Generally, that means addressing three areas surrounding your home or property. 

Zone 1: 30 Feet or Less From Your Home

Zone 1 is where you have the highest risk. Lower it by removing these items, or moving them further from your home: 

• Vegetation
• Firewood
• Patio furniture that could burn
• Umbrellas
• Wooden decks

You should also clear debris from your roof and gutters and trim tree branches.  

What can stay in zone 1? 

• Watered grass
• Rock gardens 
• Stone patios
• Metal patio furniture
• Decks that can’t burn. Don’t store anything under a deck, regardless of where it’s located on your property.

Zone 2: 30 to 100 Feet From Your Home 

In this zone, you should: 

• Have either individual trees or shrubs or small groups that are well separated from each other — recommended to be at least 6 to 12 feet apart. 
• Use driveways, walkways and patios to create firebreaks.
• Place patio furniture and store it in a fire-safe place when you aren’t using it. 
• Store firewood on top of gravel or another non-flammable surface.
• Keep detached garages, sheds and pergolas at least 50 feet from your home, and even further if you’re storing combustible items in them.

Zone 3: More than 100 Feet From Your Home 

Zone 3 helps slow a fire and creates a transition between your fire-resistant area and areas beyond that aren’t modified. You should thin and prune trees and bushes in zone 3 and clear leaves, debris and dead plants, but this zone can have more vegetation than zone 2.  

Best Choices for Plants and Trees

While you can’t completely fireproof your house, you can choose low-maintenance landscaping, so you don’t have to worry about leaves and dead branches as much. Look for options that are: 

• Resistant to drought, pests and wind
• Noninvasive and native to your area
• Slow growing

Give Your Home the Protection It Needs

When you understand how to protect your home from wildfires in summer, you can take steps to minimize your risk. But there’s always a chance that a fire or other natural disaster could damage or destroy your home. Reach out to Farm Bureau to review your insurance coverage and make sure you’re prepared for the risks that could come your way.