Full Notification

We have experienced four years of drought conditions along with significant moisture this past winter leading to excessive grass growth which we anticipate will lead to an above average fire season.  Wildfires spread from the wildland to homes every year in California but there are things you can do now to help prevent it from destroying your home. 

What does defensible space mean?

1. Lean, Clean and Green Zone.  A defensible space of 100 feet around your home is required by law.  Clearing an area 30 feet immediately surrounding your home is critical.  Remove flammable vegetation. 

2.  Reduced Fuel Zone in the remaining 70 feet.  Spacing between plants improves the chance of stopping a wildfire before it destroys your home.

3.  Remove plants beneath trees.  These plants act like a ladder to the fire into the trees.

4.  Remove tree branches at least 6 feet off the ground.  This will prevent small ground fires from jumping into the trees.

5.  Move wood piles at least 30 feet from all structures.  Fires that get into these piles are difficult or impossible to stop the spread of fire to the home.

Other Tips:

A home checklist is available at Readyforwildfire.org under the defensible space tab, along with other valuable information.

Burning:  Currently there is a burn ban in effect.  Residential debris burning will not be allowed until we receive significant rainfall or snow later in the year.

Utilize the Green Bag program to remove debris from your yard or the landfill supplies a debris dumpster at a reduced cost, along with free trips to the landfill with yard waste, 6yd maximum

Hire a Defensible Space Contractor.  They are pros at quickly getting your yard READY and removing debris.

If you have any questions call Paul Spencer, Prevention Officer Truckee FIre Protection District 530-582-7850.