CAL FIRE wants residents to conduct defensible space self-assessment

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - COVID-19 restrictions are limiting CAL FIRE’s ability to conduct annual defensible space inspections this year.

Property owners are asked to do their part and conduct a Defensible Space Self-Assessment.

They say it is important for California residents in high-risk areas to protect their communities by creating and maintaining defensible space around their homes and structures.

Property owners in wildland-urban-interface communities will receive a flyer with information on accessing the online Defensible Space Self-Assessment. It will include steps for creating defensible space around homes and buildings, and ways to harden your home to be more wildfire resistant. 

The survey can be accessed online here.

“It only takes one flying ember to bring wildfire to your home,” said Chief Thom Porter, CAL FIRE Director. “Fire can spread from house to house, especially in more densely populated areas, due to flying embers. Direct flames, as well as radiant heat from burning plants or structures can also catch a home on fire. This is why it is so important to create defensible space and harden homes – it’s a community’s best fighting chance against wildfire.”

Defensible Space consists of two zones extending 100 feet from a home or structure cleared of dead trees, brush and vegetation, which creates a buffer to slow or stop the spread of wildfire.

Home Hardening is preparing your home to increase its chance of surviving a wildfire. Upgrades of fire-ignition-resistant materials to roofs, eaves, vents, siding, windows, decks, fences and more can help prevent wildfire from destroying the house.

Visit readyforwildfire.org for more information.