Defensible Space

Although single family residences are generally inspected by request only, residences in designated High Fire Hazard areas within Central Fire District’s jurisdiction are inspected each spring for compliance with rural fire safety standards. During defensible space inspections we look for the following:

Visible address numbers. Address numbers should be at least 4” in height, contrasting colors and visible from the street. Download our Signage Requirements Handout for more information on address signs.
Flammable vegetation should be removed within 30’ of your home.
Create an Ember Resistant Zone within the first five feet surrounding structures and decks. Remove combustible materials like mulch, woodpiles and woody plants that could easily catch fire. More details can be found in the Living with Fire publication on creating defensible space zones.

Clear dead leaves and branches. Leave ornamental shrubbery and trees widely spaced in the remaining 70’ around your home.
Remove lower branches from trees at least 6 feet from the ground.
Trim all tree limbs at least 10’ away from chimneys and stove pipes.

Remove all tree limbs hanging over the roof.
Clear all flammable vegetation within 10’ of access roads and driveways.
Cover chimneys and stove pipes with a ½” non-flammable screen.
Remove dead leaves and needles from roofs, rain gutters, and decks.
Enclose all vent openings with an 1/8” mesh metal screen.
Locate woodpiles and LPG tanks at least 30’ from structures, fences, and other combustible materials.

You can also download the Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide or Fire Resistant Garden Guide publications for more information on how to keep your home and landscape fire resistant. The Resource Conservation District also has a list of Fire Resistant Plants for residents of Santa Cruz County.

Continuous maintenance of your property will prevent the buildup of flammable materials and help protect your home in the event of a wildfire.