is a natural part of our environment. Forest and rangelands were burning long before Sierra County was settled in the 1800’s. Whether you are a full time resident or vacation homeowner, you need to think about the very real possibility of a major wildfire threatening your community.

This is where defensible space comes in, California State Law (PRC 4291) requires you to have defensible space. The best thing you can do is to make sure your home can stand alone. The homeowner is the most important person when it comes to preparing for a wildfire. You need to understand your local fire threat and learn what to do about it.

The Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council is a non-profit corporation made up of concerned citizens who recognize the need to raise public awareness of wildfire related issues. Contact the Council to schedule a free Defensible Space Consultation at 530-249-0444.

Prepare Your Home Before Wildfire Strikes

Create “defensible Space”

Your “defensible space” is the area a minimum of 100’ from your home (State Public Resources Code 4291 or other local ordinances). This is where you modify the landscaping to allow your house to survive on its own – greatly improving the odds for fire fighters who are defending your home.

If your home is on a slope or subject to high winds, this distance must be expanded to allow for more aggressive fire behavior.

The three R’s of defensible space:

• Remove - dead or dying grass, shrubs and trees.
• Reduce - The density of vegetation (fuel) and ladder fuels, those fuels extending from the ground to the tree canopies.
• Replace - hazardous vegetation with less flammable, irrigated landscape vegetation including lawn, or other low growing ground covers and flowering plants.

And always . . .

• Clear pine needles and leaves from gutters and roof. Trim back over hanging branches at least 10’.
• Maintain greenbelt fuel modification around developed areas.
• Have a means of transporting pets readily available.
• Collect valuables, medications and other personal items in one place and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

For more information about defensible space and the "fuel reduction zone", contact the Sierra County Fire Council at 530-249-0444, or Email Us.

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