Disasters · US
Wildfire
Make your home harder to ignite with defensible space zones, and be ready to leave early.
Quick card · WildfireSources checked 29 Oct 2026
Before
- Zone 0 (0–5 ft from the house): use gravel, pavers or concrete instead of bark or mulch, and clear the roof, gutters, deck and stairs. 1
- Zone 1 (5–30 ft): remove dead plants and leaves, and keep tree branches at least 10 ft from other trees. 1
- Zone 2 (30–100 ft): mow grass to 4 inches or less, and keep 10 ft of bare soil around woodpiles and propane tanks. 1
- Clear branches within 10 ft of any chimney and move firewood out to Zone 2. 1
- Check your area on Wildfire Risk to Communities. 2
During
After
- Return only when officials say it's safe. 3
Defensible space, zone by zone
Most homes lost to wildfire are ignited by embers, so the area closest to the house matters most. CAL FIRE calls the first five feet “the most important.” 1
| Zone | Distance from home | Key actions |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0, ember-resistant | 0–5 ft | Gravel, pavers or concrete instead of mulch. Clear roof, gutters, deck and stairs. Replace combustible fences attached to the house. |
| Zone 1, lean, clean and green | 5–30 ft | Remove dead plants and leaves. Keep tree branches at least 10 ft from other trees. |
| Zone 2, reduce fuel | 30–100 ft | Mow grass to 4 in or less. 10 ft of bare soil around woodpiles, outbuildings and propane tanks. |
Distances and actions from CAL FIRE. 1 Some counties require more, so check with your local fire agency. 1
Check your risk
The USDA Forest Service’s Wildfire Risk to Communities tool shows wildfire likelihood and risk for your area. 2