Wildfire Preparedness Starts Now: Defensible Space Inspections Underway

As we move into the warmer months, wildfire season is quickly approaching. In our area, dry vegetation, rising temperatures, and seasonal winds can rapidly increase fire risk. Preparing your home now is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your family.

Our department has officially begun defensible space inspections throughout the community. These inspections are designed to help residents reduce fire hazards around their homes and improve the chances of structure survival during a wildfire.

What is Defensible Space?

Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and the surrounding vegetation. This space slows the spread of wildfire and provides firefighters a safer area to defend your property.

There are two key zones to focus on:

• Zone 1 (5-30 feet from structure): Maintain well spaced platnts, trimmed grass, and remove dead vegetation. This space slows the spread of wildfire and provides firefighters a safer area to defend your property.
• Zone 2 (30-100 feet from structure): Keep this area trimmed and free of dead material. Cut long dry grasses (do not use blade mowers).

What to Expect During an Inspection

During a defensible space inspection, fire personnel will assess your property for common wildfire hazards, including:

• Overgrown or dry vegetation
• Accumulation of leaves or pine needles on roofs and gutters
• Tree branches hanging over structures or chimneys
• Improper spacing between plants and trees

Residents will receive guidance on how to correct any issues found. Our goal is education and prevention.

Why It Matters

Homes with proper defensible space have a significantly higher chance of surviving a wildfire. Just as importantly, it allows firefighters to safely access and defend your property during an emergency.

Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. Small actions taken now can make a major difference when it matters most.

Take Action Today

We encourage all residents to take a proactive approach:

• Clear leaves and debris from roofs and gutters
• Trim trees and remove dead or dying vegetation
• Move combustible materials away from structures
• Maintain a clean, well-spaced landscape

Spring Wildfires

This time of year, the most common causes of wildfires are the following:

• Burn pile escapes
• Weedeating/mowing

When burning piles, remember the following:

• Fully extinguish the burn pile if warm or windy conditions are forecasted.
• Douse the pile with water while stirring with a shovel.
• Scrape burning material away from partially burned logs.
• Chop up, scrape, and mix the burning material with water or dirt.
• The pile is fully extinguished when the ashes and coals at the bottom of the pile are completely cold to the touch of your ungloved hand.
• For more information about burn piles, visit Pile Burning Guidelines & Burn Permit Information.

When weedeating or mowing, remember that the safest time to mow or weedeat grass is during the coolest part of the day, before 10 AM. Never mow or weedeat when ANY of the following conditions exist:

• Grass is dry to the touch.
• Air temperature is above 90 degrees.
• Relative humidity is below 30%.

For more information about weedeating and mowing, visit Tips for Safe Grass Cutting.

Can We Find You?

Get your property ready for wildfire season with an address sign to help us find you. Reflective address signs are free for all properties located within the boundaries of the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District, courtesy of the Northern Sonoma County Fire Foundation and Northern Sonoma County Fire. 

Property owners within district boundaries may order 1 free sign for each address. Additional signs cost $20 each. Order your address sign here.

Wine Country to the Rescue 2026

Join us for a night of community and celebration at our annual Wine Country to the Rescue event on Saturday, July 18 at the Trentadue Winery in Geyserville. This year's event features:

• A delicious BBQ dinner paired with exceptional local wines
• Live and silent auctions showcasing unique items and experiences
• A high-energy live band to keep you dancing all night

Tickets are available now, and they sell fast! Get your tickets here to secure your spot. For more information about the event, or to become a sponsor, visit Wine Country to the Rescue.