Help Protect your Home and your Community
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires points to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind that can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.
There are methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and inimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching the home or any attachments. Experiments, models, and post-fire studies have shown homes ignited due to the condition of the home and everything around it, up to 200' from the foundation. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
Defensible Space is the buffer you create between your business or home and the grass, trees, shrubs or any wildland or cropland area that surrounds it. Proper defensible space can slow or stop the spread of wildfire and help protect your home or business. A well-maintained defensible space can give your home an increased chance of surviving a wildfire, even if firefighters cannot reach your home.
OSFM Defensible Space Tool.pdf
