Defensible space size is usually expressed as the distance from the house in which vegetation and other fuel is managed to reduce the wildfire threat. This distance is not the same everywhere, but varies by slope and type of vegetation growing near the house. It could range from 30 feet to 200 feet or more. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office, state department of forestry, or fire marshal for suggested defensible space distances for your area. If your recommended distance exceeds your property boundaries, contact the adjacent property owner and try to work cooperatively on creating a defensible space. The effectiveness of defensible space increases when multiple property owners work together.
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