Chimneys
Chimneys require a spark arrestor screen with openings no smaller than 3/8 – inch and no larger than 1/2 – inch to prevent sparks and embers from escaping and igniting a fire.
Garages
Install weather stripping around and under your garage door to prevent embers from blowing in, and store all combustible and flammable liquids away from ignition sources.
Driveways & Access Roads
- Driveways should be built and maintained in accordance with state and local codes to allow fire and emergency vehicles to reach your home. All gates should open inward and be wide enough (12 -16 feet), to accommodate emergency vehicles and equipment. Check your local code requirement before installation.
- Maintain vegetation along driveways, access roads, and other public roads adjacent to your property with a minimum of ten feet of clearance on either side (the same standard as Defensible Space Zone 1).
Address Numbers
- Remember that firefighters may need to locate your home quickly at night, during a storm, or in smoky conditions. Help them find your home by making your address clearly visible from the road.
- California requires by law that address numbers be a minimum of four inches and be placed on contrasting backgrounds.
- Brass or bronze numbers will oxidize and become difficult to read against a weathered wood background. Instead, use white, stainless steel, or reflective numbers.
- Illuminate your numbers, if possible, and place them where they can be seen from the road by emergency vehicles traveling in both directions.