Your Backyard Forest - Protect Your Property From Wildfire

One of the most important things that a backyard woods owner can do to protect their home and other structures from wildfire is to create a safety zone or area of defensible space around them. This zone should be at least 30 feet wide on level or gently sloping ground and 100 feet or more on slope grades 30 percent or greater downhill from any structures.
A well-maintained (green) lawn makes a good safety zone, as long as it is kept clear of all leaves, twigs, and other debris that could catch fire. Trees within the 30-foot safety zone should have all bottom branches removed to a height of 6 to 10 feet, and should be spaced so that the crowns are at least 10 to 16 feet apart. Outside the 30-foot safety zone, one should prune branches away from power lines and outbuildings; and remove low hanging limbs, dead branches, undesirable small shrubs, and dead trees. An untreated wood shake roof is the number one cause of home loss from wildfires. Wind blown sparks easily ignite these roofs, and roof sprinklers do not provide adequate protection. Consider class-A asphalt shingles, slate or clay tile, metal, concrete products, or terra-cotta tiles when constructing or replacing the roof on your home.