Maintenance Guides / Exterior & Structure

Clear defensible space — Zone 0 (0–5 ft)

Difficulty: moderateTime: 120 mins

Why it matters

CA AB 3074 and PRC 4291 mandate Zone 0 clearance. This 0–5 ft zone is an ember-ignition critical zone in wildfires.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Remove all dead leaves, twigs, and bark debris within 5 feet of the home.

  • 2

    Trim tree limbs hanging over the roof or touching siding.

  • 3

    Space shrubs and bushes so they don't touch the house or each other.

  • 4

    Remove ornamental wood chips and replace with rock mulch if needed.

  • 5

    Clear gutters and roof of needles and dead leaves.

  • 6

    Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from the home.