Tips for Building a Defensible Space from Wildfires

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, it's important to have a defensible space around your home. If done correctly, this space should slow or even halt the spread of a wildfire, protecting your home and family. To start, you want to break your defensible space up into two zones, Zone 1 and Zone 2.

Zone 1

Zone 1 should be a circle around your home extending 30 feet. In this area, you'll want to remove any dead vegetation, leaves and pine needles. You should also do your best to trim any overhanging branches that are within ten feet from your chimney. 

Zone 2

Zone 2 should be a circle around your home extending 100 feet. The grass in this area show be mowed regularly to keep it 4 inches or shorter. You should also remove any fallen leaves, twigs, branches and pine cones. It is recommended that you don't have vegetation too close in this space either. There should be sufficient spacing both horizontally and vertically.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions about fire damage or creating a defensible space, please do not hesitate to call the SERVPRO of Bend office at 541-385-7044.

Source:
ReadyForWildfire.org