The most common hazards are flammable mulch, plants, firewood, garden furniture, decking, and fences. These items were the primary reason homes burned in many wildfires, including Bonfire 2018 which destroyed much of Paradise, California and Waldo Canyon fire in 2012 near Colorado Springs, Colorado.
You can reduce the risk by replacing mulch with gravel or paving stones and planting only low, limited plants that do not touch the house.
Wooden terraces and fences can catch fire, even if they are well-maintained. Replacing them with non-flammable materials or installing slender sheet metal on the home where the siding meets the wood deck or fence can aid protect the home. Netting can prevent debris and embers from building up under the deck.
Zone 2 – Distance from 5 to 30 feet: In the next circle, 5 to 30 feet from the house, the lawn should be green and low. This is zone 2.
Be sure to rake up pine needles and leaves and trim the lowest branches of trees to at least 6 feet high.
On a flat slope, there should be about 18 feet of space between trees, with spacing increasing as you go downhill, because steeper ground causes faster, more intense fires. Walkways, paths, patios, decks, and firewood can be stored in this area.
Zone 3 – Distance from 30 to 100 feet: Beyond Zone 2 and within about 100 feet of your home is Zone 3. In this area, you should give sheds and propane tanks their own defensible space, as you would around your home, and trim all low branches to 6 feet.
To learn more, contact your local emergency management office or local nonprofit wildfire organization. Grant making which can offset the costs of pruning and removing trees in a forested area.