Create a Defensible Space 

Defensible space is essential to improve your home's chances of surviving a wildfire.  It's the buffer you create between your home and the flammable vegetation, like trees, grass and shrubs, around your home.  

Defensible Space Zones

Three zones make up the recommended 100 feet of defensible space.

IMMEDIATE ZONE
0-5 feet around your home ​
Colorado State Forest Service Defensible Space Guidelines 
The goal is to make this a non-combustible area. 
  • Create a non-combustible 5 feet border around your home
  • Remove all pine needles, dead leaves and plants
  • No flammable shrubs
  • Replace flammable mulch with gravel or rock 

INTERMEDIATE ZONE
​5-30 feet around your home

The goal is to reduce flammable materials near your home. 
  • Use fire-resistant plants and shrubs
  • Use low-grow, drought-resistant grasses and keep grass mowed to 4 inches
  • Remove Conifers, Junipers and Gamble Oak trees
  • No shrubs or small trees underneath taller trees
​

EXTENDED ZONE
30-100 feet around your home  ​

The goal is to reduce heat and movement of flame.  
  • Firewood stored at least 30 feet away from home --even further if your home is on a slope
  • Reduce heavy accumulations of slash (dead branches, twigs, pine needles, etc.) 
  • Strategically remove flammable plants like Western Juniper, Cypress, Gambel or Scrub Oak, Pinyon Pines
  • Prune limbs of trees at least 10 feet or 1/3 the height of the trees, whichever is less
  • Trees should be spaced out at least 10 feet between each tree's outermost branches - even more if you home is on a steep slope 
  • No shrubs or small trees underneath taller trees.  
Fire intensity can be increased if your property has steep slopes and a dense forest.   If present, you should consult with a qualified wildfire and forestry professional.   

Wildfire Prepared Home Assessment Program
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