CREATING DEFENSIBLE SPACE: Part 4

NOTE: Recommendations in this section are made by local firefighters experienced in protecting homes from wildfire. They are not requirements, nor do they take precedence over local ordinances.

STEP FOUR: STEP FOUR: ARE THERE LADDER FUELS PRESENT WITHIN THE RECOMMENDED DEFENSIBLE SPACE AREA?

Vegetation is often present at varying heights, similar to the rungs of a ladder. Under these conditions, flames from fuels burning at ground level, such as those in a thick layer of pine needles, can be carried to shrubs, which can ignite still higher fuels like tree branches. Vegetation that allows a fire to move from lower growing plants to taller ones is referred to as "ladder fuel." The ladder fuel problem can be corrected by providing a separation between the vegetation layers.

Within the defensible space area, a vertical separation of three times the height of the lower fuel layer is recommended.

For example, if a three-foot shrub is growing next to a large pine tree, the recommended separation distance would be nine feet. This could be accomplished by removing the lower tree branches, reducing the height of the shrub, or both. The shrub could also be removed.

Recommended Separation Distances Between Tree Canopies:

In forested areas, the recommended separation between tree canopies is determined by steepness of slope. Specific recommendations include:

Note: Separation distances are measured between canopies (the outermost branches) and not between trunks. For example, if your house is on a 30 percent slope, the separation of tree canopies within your defensible space should be 20 feet. Creating separation between tree canopies can be accomplished through tree removal.

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