Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council, Inc. on the Land Conservation Assistance Network

Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council, Inc.
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last updated: September 2022

Fire is a natural part of our environment. Forest and rangelands were burning long before Sierra County was settled in the 1800’s. Whether you are a full time resident or vacation homeowner, you need to think about the very real possibility of a major wildfire threatening your community.

This is where defensible space comes in, California State Law (PRC 4291) requires you to have defensible space. The best thing you can do is to make sure your home can stand alone. The homeowner is the most important person when it comes to preparing for a wildfire. You need to understand your local fire threat and learn what to do about it.

The Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council is a non-profit corporation made up of citizens who recognize the need to raise public awareness of wildfire related issues.

Prepare Your Home Before Wildfire Strikes: Create defensible space.

Your “defensible space” is the area a minimum of 100’ from your home (State Public Resources Code 4291 or other local ordinances). This is where you modify the landscaping to allow your house to survive on its own – greatly improving the odds for fire fighters who are defending your home.

If your home is on a slope or subject to high winds, this distance must be expanded to allow for more aggressive fire behavior.

Remove dead or dying grass, shrubs and trees.
Reduce the density of vegetation (fuels0 and ladder fuels, those fuels extending from the ground to the tree canopies.
Replace hazardous vegetation with less flammable, irrigated landscape vegetation, including lawn or other low growing ground covers and flowering plants.

And Always...

Clear pine needles and leaves from gutters and roofs. Trim back overhanging branches at least 10 feet.
Maintain greenbelt fuel modification around developed areas.
Have a means of transporting pets readily available.
Collect valuables, medications and other personal items in one place and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

Contact Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council, Inc.

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of LandCAN.
Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council, Inc. is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.