Outdoor Safety

What is Defensible Space, and Why Does It Matter?

 

Wildfires can happen any time of year, and preparing your home and outdoor spaces are one of the best ways to reduce risk. A defensible space is a critical part of that preparation. But what exactly is a defensible space?

 

A defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and areas that could catch fire, such as grass, trees, or shrubs. This space slows the spread of wildfire and gives firefighters a safer area to defend your property. No matter the season, it’s always a good time to start building or maintaining this protective barrier.

 

Here are five key steps to create a defensible space around your home:

 

  1. Clear debris: Regularly remove fallen leaves, pine needles, and branches from your roof, gutters, and yard. These materials are highly flammable. Remove garbage or clutter around buildings.
  2. Prune trees and shrubs: Trim back overgrown branches, especially those near your roof, windows, and decks, to prevent fire from spreading to your home.
  3. Relocate firewood: Store firewood and other flammable materials at least 30 feet away from your home or other structures.
  4. Choose fire-resistant landscaping: Use nonflammable materials like gravel or stone and consider planting low-maintenance, fire-resistant plants closer to your home and outbuildings.
  5. Create a 5-foot safety zone: Maintain a zone immediately around your home using bare soil, gravel, or hardscaping.

 

These actions not only protect your home but also help keep your neighborhood and surrounding community safer. By creating a defensible space, you’re making it easier for firefighters to defend your property and can reduce the risk of fire spreading.

 

Do you need some help identifying ways to create a defensible space around your home? Call us at 360-363-8507 to set up an evaluation of your property.

 

 

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Marysville Fire District
1635 Grove Street
Marysville, WA 98270
(360) 363-8500
© Marysville Fire District