Defensible space around your home

What to clear in each zone

Tap what is done. State law requires Zones 1 and 2 in State Responsibility Areas and in Very High fire hazard zones in local areas. Your city or county may require it elsewhere. Zone 0 is the state's newer rule for the first 5 feet. The Board approved it in August 2026, but it is not in effect yet.

Your city or county may have its own rules, and they can be stricter. Check your address to see which state rules cover you.

Some insurers now require the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designation for new policies in high-risk areas, and it requires a clear 5-foot zone. Insurance checklist.

Zone 0: the first 5 feet

• No bark mulch, wood chips, leaves or needles
• No firewood or stored items against the house
• Nothing stored or growing under decks and stairs
• No wood fence touching the house
• Roof and gutters clear

Zone 1: 5 to 30 feet

• Dead plants, grass and weeds cleared
• Dead leaves and pine needles removed from yard, roof and gutters
• Branches trimmed 10 feet from the chimney
• Trees trimmed to keep a 10-foot gap between them
• Wood piles moved out to Zone 2
• Plants near windows pruned
• Space between trees, shrubs, patio furniture and wood piles

Zone 2: 30 to 100 feet

• Annual grass cut to 4 inches or less
• Shrubs and trees spaced apart, side to side
• Space between grass, shrubs and tree branches, low to high
• Fallen leaves, needles and twigs no more than 3 inches deep
• Exposed wood piles with 10 feet of bare ground around them
• Sheds and propane tanks with 10 feet of bare ground around them

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Your city or county may have its own rules. Sources: CAL FIRE, Defensible space; Zone 0 items from the Board of Forestry's approved rule. Every Zone 0 item, with alerts when the rule changes: Zone Zero Guidelines.

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Not sure about your fire zone? Check your address.