Wildfire poses a serious risk to many residential and rural areas across Idaho. For homeowners in these regions, creating and maintaining defensible space is strongly encouraged and sometimes even required. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean clearing your entire yard or cutting down every tree. It’s about making smart adjustments to your landscape that can help slow or stop a wildfire before it reaches your home. In this article, we’ll show you how to create defensible space as a vital step in protecting your property.
What is a Defensible Space?
A defensible space is the area around a structure where vegetation, landscaping, and other combustibles are managed to reduce fire danger. The goal is to minimize the pathways a wildfire could take to get to your home. By maintaining proper spacing, trimming vegetation, and removing dead or dry materials, you can reduce the intensity of a fire and create a buffer that not only protects your property but also allows firefighters to safely defend it, if needed.
The Three Zones of Defensible Space
Creating a defensible space around your home starts with understanding how to manage your landscape in three distinct zones. Each zone plays a unique role in reducing wildfire risk and works together to create a buffer between your home and potential fire.
Zone 1: Immediate Zone (0–5 feet from the home)
The goal in this zone is to eliminate anything that could ignite easily.
- Use non-combustible materials like gravel or stone mulch
- Choose fire-resistant plants (e.g., succulents or high-moisture annuals)
- Keep area clear of leaf litter, pine needles, dead plants, and debris
- Remove flammable items like fibrous doormats and hanging baskets
- Screen vents and openings with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers
- Use ignition-resistant building materials when possible
Zone 2: Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet from the home)
The goal in this zone is to reduce fire intensity with strategic landscaping and maintenance.
- Keep lawns mowed to 4 inches or less
- Water plants to prevent them from drying out
- Space trees and shrubs in small, separated groups
- Surround plant islands with turf, rock, or brick to break up fuels
- Use hardscapes like dry creek beds or stone paths for added defense
- Maintain at least 10 feet between mature tree canopies and the house
- Prune trees and remove “ladder fuels” that help fire climb
Zone 3: Extended Zone (30-100+ feet from the home)
The goal in this zone is to slow the fire’s approach and transition to natural vegetation.
- Thin overgrown vegetation and remove dead or dying plants
- Replace flammable species with fire-resistant native plants
- Store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet away on gravel or concrete
- Space tree canopies 12 feet apart (30–60 ft from home)
- Space tree canopies 6 feet apart (60–100 ft from home)
Seasonal Maintenance of Your Defensible Space
Creating a defensible space is not a one-time project. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular upkeep. Each season brings different tasks to keep your home prepared and your landscape safe.
In spring, clear out dead vegetation, clean gutters and roofs, and trim new growth near structures. During summer, mow regularly, water responsibly, and watch for new ladder fuels. In fall, rake leaves and needles and remove dead plants. Winter is a good time to plan landscaping updates and make structural repairs that improve fire resistance.
Support and Resources for Idaho Homeowners
Many Idaho homeowners aren’t aware that there are excellent resources available to help with your home’s wildfire preparation. Idaho Firewise provides educational tools and tips specifically tailored to our local environment, including recommended plant lists for our climate. They even manage several demonstration gardens, where you can see how fire-resistant landscaping looks and functions in real life.
Protect Your Home
Creating a defensible space is a powerful step toward protecting your home from wildfire, but it’s not the only way to stay prepared. Another smart step is connecting with a local Farm Bureau Insurance agent. They can help you understand your coverage, identify potential gaps, and make sure your home is protected in every season.
Source: Idaho Firewise
Disclaimer: The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts.
