Defensible space is the buffer created between a home and surrounding vegetation to slow the spread of wildfire.

Defensible space is typically organized into three zones around the home plus a broader community zone, addressing both individual property protection and neighbourhood-scale resilience

Research and CalFire standards show that maintaining up to 100 ft around a house can make a critical difference, though in some places, like Los Angeles County, requirements extend to 200 ft.

These distances are guidelines; the right amount of defensible space depends on your site. Steeper slopes allow flames to climb faster, while terrain and wind patterns can direct fire toward a home more aggressively.

In higher-risk sites like these, increased defensible space and additional home-hardening measures may be necessary.

Creating and maintaining defensible space, tailored to your site’s risks, is one of the most effective and affordable way to protect your home.