Defensible Space
Create defensible space, harden your home, and take advantage of local programs that help reduce wildfire risk around your property.
Official Defensible Space Standards
Defensible Space
Defensible space is the area around your home where vegetation and combustible materials have been managed to slow the spread of fire. California law (PRC 4291) requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in the WUI.
Zone 0: Ember-Resistant Zone (0-5 feet)
- Use non-combustible materials within 5 feet of your home
- Remove all dead vegetation and debris
- No combustible mulch -- use gravel or non-combustible ground cover
- Remove anything stored under decks or porches
- Move firewood at least 30 feet from structures
Zone 1: Lean, Clean, and Green (5-30 feet)
- Space trees so crowns are at least 10 feet apart
- Remove branches within 6 feet of the ground
- Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less
- Select fire-resistant plants
- Create fuel breaks with driveways, walkways, and patios
Zone 2: Reduce Fuel (30-100 feet)
- Reduce density of trees and brush
- Create spacing between shrub clusters
- Remove dead trees and heavy accumulations of debris
- Reduce ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fire to climb from ground to tree crowns)
Home Hardening
- Install Class A fire-rated roofing
- Screen vents with 1/8-inch non-combustible mesh
- Box in eaves with non-combustible materials
- Install dual-pane or tempered glass windows
- Use non-combustible siding or stucco
- Replace wooden fences attached to the house with non-combustible materials
- Ensure deck material is fire-resistant
- Clean gutters regularly -- dry leaves in gutters ignite easily from embers
Programs from Your Fire District
The Woodside Fire Protection District offers these programs to help residents reduce wildfire risk. Visit woodsidefire.org for current schedules and details.
Chipper Days
Free chipping events run by the Woodside Fire Protection District. WFPD brings a chipper to neighborhoods — pile your brush at the curb and it's chipped for free. Check woodsidefire.org for dates.
Matching Funds / Cost-Share Programs
The fire district and partner organizations periodically offer matching funds for defensible space work. These programs help offset the cost of vegetation management and home hardening improvements.
Free Home Assessments
The Woodside Fire Protection District offers free wildfire home assessments. A WFPD firefighter will visit your property and provide specific recommendations for defensible space and home hardening.
Schedule a Home Assessment