New Local Ordinance Requires Defensible Space

Our hillsides, while beautiful, are an ideal environment for a devastating wildland fire. With the onset of summer months comes the drying and curing of our lands. As temperatures peak, humidity drops and the summer winds blow, the potential for wildland fires increase. Despite the efforts of the fire services, many homes are lost each year due to wildland and wildland urban interface fires.

Creating defensible space is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer created between a building and the vegetation on the property, including grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it, this space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it can help to protect your home from catching fire, either form direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home. It is imperative that you prepare now to protect your home from such occurrences, you never know when it can happen.

GUIDELINES Download: Guide to Defensible Space and Home Hardening (Interpretation of the Fuel Mitigation Ordinance No. 24-01)

Review the Low Cost Retrofit List, the latest suggestions from CalFire for suggestions on ways to harden your home, create defensible space, and view additional links for material lists and requirements.

Woodside Fire Protection District provides neighborhoods with a convenient way to report potentially hazardous conditions.

1. Slows or Stops the Spread of Wildfire: By reducing the amount and arrangement of combustible materials, defensible space decreases the intensity and speed of a wildfire approaching your home.
2. Protects Your Home: Properly maintained defensible space prevents fire from igniting your home through:
   • Embers: Burning debris carried by the wind can ignite flammable materials near your home.
   • Direct Flame Contact: Keeping vegetation and combustible items away from your home reduces the chance of flames reaching the structure.
   • Radiant Heat: Space between vegetation and the house minimizes heat transfer that could ignite the building.
3. Supports Firefighters: By providing a clear and safe area to operate, defensible space enhances the ability of firefighters to protect your home effectively during a wildfire