How to Protect Your Home from Wildfires: Create Defensible Space

Wildfires don’t wait.

The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) would like to show you how to prepare.
Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your community.

✅ What is Defensible Space?
It’s the buffer between your home and the grass, trees, shrubs, or wildland area that surrounds it. This space is designed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protect firefighters as they defend your home.

🏡 Simple Steps to Create Defensible Space:
1 Clear dead vegetation within 30 feet of your home.
2 Trim tree branches at least 6 feet from the ground.
3 Keep roofs and gutters free of leaves and pine needles.
4 Space out plants to prevent fire from jumping.
5 Use fire-resistant landscaping like gravel, stone, and native plants.

💡 Why It Matters:
Homes with defensible space are far more likely to survive a wildfire. It’s not just about protecting property—it’s about saving lives.
ACFD has an Emergency Preparedness Unit.

Find out more about our unit by watching the video or go to our website:
www.fire.acgov.org (http://www.fire.acgov.org/)
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