DEFENSIBLE SPACE
Defensible space is
a buffer zone around your home that reduces the risk of a wildfire starting
or spreading to your home. It is also a space that allows emergency services
to work safely within.
STEPS TO DEFENSIBLE
SPACE
- Clear all combustible materials
a minimum of 30 feet away from structures and propane tanks.
- Thin trees and brush 30-100 feet
out from your home. This removal is considered necessary to accommodate buildings
and other structures.
- Space trees so crowns are 10
feet apart.
- Prune low hanging trees 6-10
feet up from the ground.
- Cut grass and weeds regularly.
- Retain and/or plant Native Species.
- Aspen and Douglas-fir are good
alternatives to lodgepole pine and are not prone to the mountain pine beetle
infestation.
- Relocate firewood and picnic
tables at least 30 feet from your home.
- Keep roof, gutters, and yard
free of pine needles and debris.
- Replace wood shake and single
roofing with nonflammable or fire resistant materials.
- Continually familiarize yourself
with area evacuation plan.