Download BIG BEAR VALLEY Defensible Space Checklist
Within 0-100 ft. From All Aspects of All Structures and/or Up to Your Property Line
☐ Abate pine needles on roofing, in gutters, under and on decking, stairs, landings, and parking pads.
☐ Prune branches and limbs that are within 10 ft. of a chimney opening, stovepipe, outlet, or that overhang a structure within 10 ft. vertical and horizontal distance from the roof line.
☐ Within 0-5 ft. of a structure: abate pine needles, forest litter, dead vegetation, and mulches.
☐ Within 0-15 ft. of a structure: abate high energy release vegetation. This includes hydrants, telephone poles, fencing, and propane tanks.
☐ Entire property: remove dead, dying, and hazardous trees & cut weeds and grasses below 4 in. Also abate downed limbs, branches, and pine cone accumulations.
☐ Entire property: abate pine needles and forest litter. Remove down to 2 in. in depth & retain up to 2 in. of forest litter for soil health and erosion control.
☐ Entire property: prune lower 25% of shrubbery vegetation. Remove all dead wood from all aspects of shrubs.
☐ Entire property: high energy release vegetation, should be spaced apart by doubling the size of the height of the tallest shrub. (Example: If you have a 6 ft. shrub high energy release vegetation should be spaced out 12 ft.)
☐ Entire property: remove all native trees up to 6 in. in diameter that stand within 8 ft. of another tree (excluding deciduous trees).
☐ Entire property: trees taller than 45 ft. - prune lower limbs and branches 12 ft. to 15 ft. up from ground level or no more than 25% of total height of tree. Prune all dead limbs and branches (excluding deciduous trees).
☐ Entire property: trees less than 45 ft. in height, prune lower 6 ft. limbs and branches up from ground level or no more than 25% of total height of tree. Prune all dead limbs and branches (excluding deciduous trees).
☐ Entire property: remove combustible hazards, tires, lumber, junk, & trash.
☐ Within 20 ft. of roadways, easements, and driveways: abate all high energy release vegetation.
☐ Driveway access: at least 14 ft. vertical clearance from overhanging vegetation.
☐ Firewood: firewood shall be neatly stacked and stored in a weather-resistant structure and/or covered with a fire-resistant tarp.
Homeowners can accomplish these requirements with a little muscle and sweat. Others may find it easier to hire someone to complete the work.
Definition of High-Energy Release Vegetation is: A plant, shrub or tree that will ignite easily and burn intensely.
Firewise Structure Hardening Recommendations
- Roofing Material - If the roof consists of Class B or C roofing materials, determine if the underlayment in the assembly provides Class A protection, if not replace to Class A protection
- Plastic Skylight - Upgrade to tempered glass skylight as plastic skylights may melt and burn when exposed to heat from a wildfire
- Chimney Spark Arrestor - Chimneys serving outdoor appliances or fireplaces shall be equipped with a spark arrester
- Gutters - Clean, repair, install gutter guards, & replace non-metal gutters
- Siding - Repair open gaps and crevices, repaint untreated materials, & replace siding with a noncombustible product
- Vents - Install 1/8” metal screening on all vents including attic, crawlspace, soffits and turbine vents
- Windows / Sliding Glass Doors - Replace with multi paned tempered glass
- Doors - Including crawlspace, garage and utility doors. Weather tight upgrades are recommended.
- Low Profile Decking - Place a 1/8” metal screen between decking and ground & keep the area under decking free of forest litter & debris
- Car Ports - Remove all flammable items stored in car ports
- Pet Access Doors - Should be hardcover
- Locked Gates - Install Knox locks for fire department access
- Wood Fencing Attached to Structure - Replace wood fencing within 10’ of structure with non-combustible type fencing
We are here to help you through this process. If you have any questions concerning this information or work that needs to be done, please contact: