Fire Safety Resources

Practical steps you can take to reduce wildfire risk to your home and property. Every action makes a difference.

Defensible Space

Defensible space is the buffer zone you create between your home and the surrounding wildland area. This space is required by California law (up to 100 feet) and is key to slowing or stopping wildfire spread.

Zone 00–5 feet

Ember-Resistant Zone

Use gravel, pavers, or concrete instead of combustible mulch
Remove dead leaves and debris from roof, gutters, and under decks
Ensure no combustible items on or under decks
Move firewood piles away from structures

Zone 15–30 feet

Lean, Clean, & Green Zone

Remove dead plants, grass, and weeds
Keep tree branches 10+ feet from other trees
Trim trees so lowest branches are 6–10 feet from ground
Create spacing between shrubs and trees

Zone 230–100 feet

Reduced Fuel Zone

Cut grass to 4 inches or less
Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees
Remove fallen leaves, needles, bark, and small branches
Reduce density of tall trees for 10-foot canopy spacing

Learn more from CAL FIRE

Vegetation Management

Proper landscaping reduces fire fuel near your home. Here are key vegetation management practices for our area.

Choose fire-resistant plants

Opt for high-moisture, low-resin plants. Many native California species are naturally more fire-resistant. Avoid highly flammable plants like juniper, eucalyptus, and pampas grass.

Maintain your landscape regularly

Remove dead vegetation promptly. Prune trees and shrubs regularly. Keep grass mowed during fire season (May through October).

Create fuel breaks

Use driveways, walkways, patios, and gravel areas as fuel breaks. Separate groups of vegetation with hardscape or well-watered lawns.

Manage trees properly

Remove dead branches and thin dense tree canopies. Keep branches 10 feet from chimney outlets. Remove branches hanging over your roof.

Address slopes

Fire moves faster uphill. If your property is on a slope, extend your defensible space beyond the minimum requirements.

Fire-Smart Landscaping in the Sierra Foothills

Excellent guide from UC Cooperative Extension on choosing and placing native plants to create fire-smart landscapes in our region.

View PDF

Home Hardening

Embers from a wildfire can travel over a mile and are the #1 cause of home ignition during wildfires. Hardening your home against embers is one of the most effective things you can do.

Roof

Use Class A fire-rated roofing materials. Clear debris from roof and gutters regularly.

Vents

Install 1/8" metal mesh on all vents to prevent ember entry. Consider ember-resistant vents.

Windows

Use dual-pane tempered glass windows. Single-pane windows can break from radiant heat.

Siding

Use ignition-resistant materials like stucco, brick, or fiber cement. Repair/replace damaged siding.

Decks

Use non-combustible or fire-resistant decking material. Keep area under and around decks clear of debris.

Gutters

Install metal gutter guards. Clean gutters regularly to remove leaves and pine needles.

Eaves

Box in eaves with ignition-resistant materials. Open eaves can trap embers.

Fencing

Use non-combustible fencing material where it connects to the house. Metal fencing near structures is ideal.

Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared before a wildfire occurs is critical. Have a plan, know your routes, and be ready to evacuate.

Create a “Go Bag”

Prepare a bag with essentials that you can grab immediately:

Important documents (copies)
Medications & prescriptions
Phone chargers & battery pack
Water & non-perishable food
First aid kit
Flashlight & batteries
Cash & credit cards
Change of clothes

Know Your Evacuation Routes

Plan at least two ways out of your neighborhood. Practice your routes so you can navigate them under stress. Sign up for Placer County emergency alerts to receive real-time evacuation notices.

When Evacuating

Leave early—don't wait for mandatory orders. Close all windows and doors but leave them unlocked. Turn on outside lights to help firefighters find your home in heavy smoke. Move flammable furniture to the center of rooms, away from windows.