The first five feet around your home is a noncombustible moat that prevents wind-driven embers from igniting materials next to your structure. This is the single highest-impact action you can take.
During a wildfire, embers travel miles ahead of the flame front. What's within 5 feet of your home determines whether it survives.
The 0-5 Foot Noncombustible Zone is measured horizontally from the edge of your home's exterior walls and, if present, from the outermost posts of any attached deck, porch, or overhead structure — extending outward to five feet.
This zone also extends vertically to the sky — any tree branches overhanging Zone 0 must be removed, even if the trunk is outside the 5-foot perimeter.
If you don't have a 5-foot setback between your house and the property line, you may need to coordinate with your neighbor or HOA to achieve this requirement.
The 5-foot zone is measured horizontally from exterior walls and deck posts. Source: Wildfire Prepared Home
Aerial perspective: the noncombustible zone surrounds the entire structure, creating a defensible perimeter.
Remove ALL vegetation within 5 feet to bare mineral soil.
Remove all trees and overhanging branches within or above Zone 0.
Replace all combustible groundcover with noncombustible hardscape.
Permitted Noncombustible Materials
Remove all combustible fencing materials within 5 feet of the home.
Permitted Noncombustible Materials
No vehicles or large motorized equipment within 5 feet of the home.
Remove all combustible items from within 5 feet of the home.
Exceptions
Clearing vegetation and combustibles is half the equation. The structure itself must resist ember intrusion at every opening and surface. These are required for the Wildfire Prepared Home Base designation.
Class A fire-rated covering required — asphalt shingles, concrete/clay tile, slate, or metal. Wood roofs and plastic corrugated panels are not permitted. Keep roof clear of all vegetative debris.
Must be noncombustible (metal). Clear all vegetative debris regularly. Plus level: add noncombustible gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation.
All vents (roof, attic gable, eave/soffit, under-home) must have flame- and ember-resistant screens or 1/8-inch corrosion-resistant metal mesh. Exception: do not mesh dryer vents — ensure they have functional louvers or flaps instead.
Exterior walls must have at least 6 vertical inches of noncombustible siding at ground level and above any attached horizontal surface (deck, patio). Acceptable: exposed concrete foundation, fiber-cement, brick, stone, stucco, or metal flashing.
Plus level: enclose exposed eave undersides with noncombustible soffit — fiber-cement, stucco, or 2-inch nominal lumber. Soffit vents must be flame- and ember-resistant or covered with 1/8-inch metal mesh.
Attached patios, decks, stairs, and overhead structures are part of the building footprint. Each needs its own 0-5 foot noncombustible zone measured from outermost posts. Keep surfaces clear of debris, remove combustible furniture, and enclose under-deck areas.
Ember defense — the essential level
Enhanced protection — radiant heat + direct flame
Based on the latest science from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Learn more and apply at wildfireprepared.org
When a Red Flag Warning is issued or you'll be away from home for an extended period, take these additional steps:
Sources
Wildfire Prepared Home 2025 Technical Standard · Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) · wildfireprepared.org · CAL FIRE — Ready for Wildfire · Board of Forestry & Fire Protection — Zone 0 Rulemaking (AB 3074)
Every hour of defensible space work counts toward your annual Firewise requirement. Log your hours now to maintain our community's certification — and your insurance discount eligibility.
