The concept of defensible space is typically divided into three zones.

1.  The Immediate Zone (0–5 feet from the structure) focuses on creating   a non-combustible area, emphasizing the use of fire-resistant materials for landscaping and keeping the area free of flammable debris like leaves and mulch.
2. The Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet) involves reducing the continuity of vegetation to slow the fire’s spread. This includes spacing trees and shrubs, pruning branches, and maintaining a well-watered lawn or ground cover.
3. Lastly, the Extended Zone (30–100 feet or more) aims to further reduce fire intensity by thinning vegetation, removing dead plants, and ensuring no large clusters of combustible materials remain.

Creating and maintaining defensible space not only lowers the risk of structural loss but also allows firefighters safer access to defend properties.

It is a proactive measure that acknowledges the natural role of wildfires in ecosystems while prioritizing human safety and property protection.

Adopting these practices is particularly critical in fire-prone areas, where the collaboration between homeowners and community-wide efforts can significantly mitigate wildfire risks.

A basic understanding of the physical factors that influence wildfire spread is essential for preparing a property to enhance its resistance to wildfires. Three primary factors drive wildfire behavior: weather, topography, and fuels.

• Weather plays a significant role in wildfire spread. Extended periods of hot and dry conditions dry out vegetation, making it more flammable, while strong winds can accelerate fire growth by supplying additional oxygen and preheating fuel sources ahead of the flames.
• Topography is another critical factor. Fires tend to move more rapidly uphill due to heat rising and can spread quickly through steep slopes. Additionally, canyons and other landforms can channel winds, further increasing the fire’s speed and intensity.
• Fuel, the final factor, encompasses anything that can burn, including living or dead vegetation, homes, and outbuildings. Unlike weather and topography, which are beyond human control, fuels are the most manageable aspect for property owners. By reducing the amount and arrangement of flammable materials around a property, homeowners can significantly decrease the risk of wildfire spread and home ignition.

Did you know that we can help you?

We have teams and funds to support your defensible space efforts.

Not only will our teams help you clear brush, remove lower limbs and trees that are risk factors…

we will chip them for your gardening needs and chop them into rounds for your firewood!

Here’s a cost-saving opportunity for you!

RRFP is excited to announce a new opportunity for homeowners to help

safeguard their properties against wildfire risks.

FREE DEFENSIBLE SPACE CLEARING!

Thanks to grant funds we’ve secured, we’re offering free defensible space clearing for interested homeowners. This program is voluntary, and filling out our online interest form places you on our list to be considered for funding. While we cannot guarantee funding for all applicants this year, your information will be kept for future opportunities.

How It Works:

1. Complete the Interest Form – There’s no obligation, and it takes just a few minutes.
2. We’ll Contact You – If selected, we’ll reach out to schedule an assessment.
3. Stay on the List – If we can’t assist this year, you’ll remain on our list for future funding.

Why Participate?

Defensible space is the buffer you create between your business or home and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. Proper defensible space can slow or stop the spread of wildfire and help protect your home or business, and contributes to the safety of our entire community.

Together, we can build a stronger, safer Row River Valley. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Email us at info@rowrivervalley.org

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Would you rather print and mail us a copy of your Homeowner Interest Form?