Winter To-Do List
As we enter the winter months, now is a great time to assess your landscape and plan for any adjustments you want to make to help protect your home from fire. Zone Zone is the area within 5 feet of your home and any attached structures such as a deck. The objective of Zone Zero is to create a fire-resistant barrier by removing combustible materials from around your home’s exterior. UC Marin Master Gardeners has some great recommendations to make this easy on you!
Remove plants in Zone 0
Instead, consider adding visual interest by designing hardscapes or rock pathways, or planting in non-combustible containers that can be moved at least 5 feet away from structures in the event of a red flag warning or high wildfire danger weather.
Replace combustible mulches in Zone 0
Use non-combustible mulches such as rocks, decomposed granite, and gravel or install hardscaping such as concrete, brick, or pavers.
Replace combustible fencing adjacent to structures
Wood fences can act like a wick for fire. Consider replacing wood fencing that connects to your home with a non-combustible material such as metal or Hardie Board.
Regular Maintenance
Firescaping is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. This includes clearing away dead or dry vegetation, keeping gutters and roofs free of debris, and staying vigilant about the overall condition of the landscape. Maintaining a defensible space is key to ensuring the effectiveness of firescaping efforts.
Additional Recommendations
- Remove combustible outdoor furniture. Replace with metal or non combustible varieties.
- Replace jute or natural fiber doormats with heavy rubber or metal grates.
- Remove or relocate all combustible materials including garbage and recycling containers, lumber, trash, and patio accessories.
- Clean all fallen leaves and needles.
- No vegetation is recommended within 5’ of any structure.
- Remove tree limbs that extend into this zone. Fire-prone tree varieties should be removed if they extend into this zone.
- Do not store firewood, lumber, or combustibles here, even (especially) under decks or overhangs. Move stored combustibles inside or at least 30’ from any structure.
In Case You Missed It: Fire Smart Gingerbread Homes
Fire Safe Marin and UC Marin Master Gardeners teamed up to create Fire Smart Gingerbread Homes that contrasted houses with a clean Zone Zero (the first 5 feet around the home that’s to be kept clear of combustibles) and houses without Zone Zero, where vegetation and household items were placed too close to the structure, making them more vulnerable to wildfire.
Displayed at the Sunday Civic Center Farmers Market on November 23, the four gingerbread houses drew in children and families, sparked about 150 one-on-one conversations, and offered a fun, hands-on way for residents to learn how small changes in their landscaping and home surroundings can significantly improve wildfire safety.
