Thin out continuous tree and brush cover to create a "defensible space" within a minimum of 75 to 100 feet of your home. Adequate thinning is reached in the defensible space when the outer edge of tree crowns are at least 10' to 12' apart. Occasional clumps of 2 or 3 trees are permitted for natural effects if more space surrounds them. Small patches of shrubs may be left if they are separated by at least 10' of irrigated grass or noncombustible material. If your home is on a slope, enlarge the defensible space, especially on the downhill side. If it is located at the crest of a steep hill, thin fuels at least 75' below the crest.
Dispose of all limbs and branches (slash) left from thinning. Common disposal methods are: 1) chipping; and 2) lop and scatter (cut debris into small pieces and scatter over area to accelerate decomposition).
Remove dead limbs, leaves and other ground litter within the defensible space.
Stack firewood uphill and at least 15 feet from your home (not under the deck).
Maintain a greenbelt (irrigated if possible) immediately around your home using grass, flower garden or ornamental shrubbery. An alternative is rock or other noncombustible material; avoid bark or wood chip mulch in this area.
Mow dry grasses and weeds to a low height. If possible, keep well watered, especially during periods of high fire danger.
Prune branches from trees within the defensible space to a height of 10 feet above the ground. Remove shrubs, small trees or other potential "ladder" fuels from beneath large trees (left in place, ladder fuels can carry a ground fire into tree crowns).
Trim branches which extend over the eaves of your roof. Remove branches within 15 feet of a chimney.
Clean roof and gutters of pine needles and leaves to eliminate an ignition source for firebrands, especially during the hot, dry weather of the fire season.
Reduce density of surrounding forest at least 100 feet out from home site (it is preferable to thin your entire lot). Thin trees so crowns do not touch each other. Whenever possible, harvest saw-logs, posts, poles, or firewood.
From 'The Landowners Role in Fire Prevention", Colorado State Forest Service 2004
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