Steps to Creating Defensible Space
Download BIG BEAR VALLEY Defensible Space Guidelines
Wildfire Defensible Space Compliance 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. Local businesses are available by checking the local telephone books or news sources including Internet sites. Also check out the Business Directory located at the top of this page.
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: