A Good Example of Defensible Space

There are precautions that can be taken to help prevent the spread of wildfires and better protect homes. “Hardening a home” is a term that describes the retrofitting process that reduces a home’s risk to wildfire. It involves using non-combustible building materials and keeping the area around your home free of debris.

What is Defensible Space?

The first 30 feet from your home in all directions is called your defensible space. Maintaining defensible space is key to improving your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire and acts as a buffer zone. 

Within the defensible space, the first few feet from the foundation are very important and should be a non-combustible zone. This is the most important zone to take immediate action on as it is the most vulnerable to embers. Fire in this area can increase the chance of damage or destruction of the structure, including the deck, outbuildings and fencing. 

The following is an example of a home in Horseshoe Bay with good defensible space.

sample of a home with good defensible space

Elements of Good Defensible Space

The following photos feature captions below them explaining the elements used to create good defensible space against wildfires.

astroturf

Trees are several feet away from any of the structures at this residence. There are also no “ladder fuels” next to the trees that allow fire to climb from lower to higher vegetation.

Tree a little close

While this tree is a bit close to the home, notice there is no mulch being used in the landscaping Embers can travel and ignite mulch beds even if they are seemingly safe distances away. Dry mulch is highly flammable and more susceptible to ignition. 

no mulch

The homeowner has used rock or stone instead of mulch to create a buffer between grass and foundation. Shrubs are kept small, pruned properly, do not have debris underneath them, and the lawn is maintained. 

metal roofing

The home has a Class A metal roof, which is the best fire rating. Roofs are large spaces that can catch embers, which may get lodged between shingles or ignite dead vegetation or leaf litter. A roof’s surface or the edge where gutters are connected can ignite, spreading flames to the attic.

masonry siding

The home’s exterior walls are masonry, which are resistant to radiant heat and direct flames.Firewise landscaping

A great example of firewise landscaping! Plants that are low to the ground, green and healthy. Moist plants are best to use around the foundation.

firewise landscaping 2

Every landscaped section near the home uses hardscaping. There are no combustibles kept near the home (woody plants, mulch, leaves, needles, firewood piles, and stored items).

Firewise landscaping 3

Plants are not too close to the deck/patio and the deck/patio was built with non-combustible materials. This landscaped section adjacent to the home is separated from the deck/patio using fire-resistant materials to create a buffer. 

Double pane windows

This home has double-pane windows with metal framing, and there are no plants directly under the window.

eaves

The home has boxed-in eaves made of non-combustible materials. Again, notice the double-pane window with no plants underneath it.

astroturf

The backyard of this home uses astroturf, which is generally considered to be fire-resistant and is less likely to ignite compared to natural grass. Artificial grass doesn't retain moisture like natural grass, and its synthetic fibers and backing materials are designed to resist ignition and slow down flame spread.