Prepare for Wildfire Season: Secure Your Property with Defensible Space

Prepare Your Property: Understanding Ventura and Los Angeles Counties' Defensible Space Requirements

As the warmer months approach, so does the urgency for property owners in Ventura and Los Angeles counties to prepare their homes against the threat of wildfires. Adhering to the Wildland Fire Action Plan, the Department of Forestry and Cal Fire have set a deadline of June 1 for creating and maintaining defensible space around properties. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help you understand and meet these crucial requirements.

What is Defensible Space?

Defensible space refers to the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is essential to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it protects your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also crucial for the protection of firefighters defending your home.

Requirements in  Ventura County Guidelines and Los Angeles County Defensible Space Guidelines

Property owners in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties are required to manage their land by clearing away dead plants, grass, and weeds. This helps to minimize the potential fuel for fires around their homes. The specific requirements include:

• Clearing 100 Feet of Space: Homeowners must clear an area of up to 100 feet around their property. If your property does not extend 100 feet, clear the property line.
• Zone 1 (0-30 feet from structures): Remove all flammable vegetation and materials from this zone. Keep it clean and free of anything that might catch fire.
• Zone 2 (30-100 feet from structures): Reduce the chance of vegetation catching fire by cutting or spacing out trees and plants.

Practical Steps to Achieve Compliance

1. Assess Your Property: Identify areas that need immediate attention and plan the cleanup tasks.
2. Remove Dead Vegetation: Clear all dead or dying weeds, bushes, and trees that can fuel a fire.
3. Choose Fire-Resistant Plants: When replanting, select plants that are less likely to ignite from embers.
4. Maintain Your Yard: Regularly prune trees, mow grass, and rake leaves to minimize potential fire fuel.
5. Store Firewood Properly: Keep firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and other outbuildings.

Why Compliance Matters

Creating and maintaining defensible space not only complies with local laws but significantly increases your property's chance of surviving a wildfire. It also provides a safer environment for firefighters to defend your home. Non-compliance can lead to fines and increased risk during wildfire season.

Avant ONE Real Estate: Committed to Your Safety

At Avant ONE Real Estate, we understand the challenges and concerns of our community members in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. We are here to help property owners understand their responsibilities and take proactive steps towards fire safety. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you meet these important safety standards while continuing to offer the high level of customer service and expertise you expect from us.

Remember, preparing for wildfire isn't just a personal safety measure; it's a community effort. By creating defensible space, you contribute to the safety and well-being of your entire neighborhood.