Get ready to impress your inspector.
If you have a defensible space inspection coming up, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 things your defensible space inspector will want to see. Check out this video for a quick rundown and some handy visuals. Then print out this blog entry to use while getting ready for your defensible space inspector to arrive.
Check Zone Zero.
Zone Zero is the first five feet around your home and any porches or decks attached to it. There should be absolutely nothing flammable within those five feet—not even mulch. A layer of gravel or decorative pebbles or stones will look just as good and give your Zone Zero plenty of protection against flying embers when a fire is underway.
Check Zone One.
Zone One reaches from the 5-foot mark of Zone Zero to the 30-foot mark. This is where you need to put good space between plants and trees, get dry debris off the ground, and trim branches hanging over your roof.
Check Zone Two.
Extending from the 30-foot mark to the 100-foot mark, Zone Two should feature well-trimmed trees and shrubs with grass no higher than 4 inches. Zone Two is where you should remove additional “ladder fuels”—dry or live plants overgrown enough to act as a fuse, transferring fire through your property and toward your house.
Clear your access points.
Make sure all driveways and entrance roads are easily accessible for fire vehicles. You should have at least 10 feet on either side of your driveway to ensure firetrucks and emergency vehicles can easily make their way onto your property. Also be sure your house numbers are clearly visible from all angles.
Harden your home.
There’s plenty of information about home hardening on the Be Ready, Butte! site, but some basics include installing ember-resistant vents and sealing gaps around windows and doors. Your defensible space inspector may also discuss ideas for the future, such as fire-rated roofing materials.
Bonus tip… relax.
Defensible space inspectors aren’t coming to your house to play gotcha. Each of them is dedicated to helping you improve the defensible space you have or help you make a plan to establish some. Their goal is to help you protect your home from wildfire.
After all, their role model is our own Max DSI—a legend among defensible space inspectors. Let’s make him proud!