Reduce Fire Risk with Defensible Space

California has experienced unprecedented wildfires in 2025 due to low precipitation and warmer temperatures. To date over 16,400 structures have been destroyed from 7,227 wildfires according to a report from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Locally, you can mitigate fire risk by taking proactive steps to maintain landscape and sign up for emergency alerts.  

Create Defensible Space

Nearly all of Rainbow Water's service area falls under the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ), an area the state determined in 2024 to be high fire risk based upon historically destructive fires. Reduce your fire risk by following recommendations for clearance zone planning from Cal Fire and California Fire Safe Council.

Zone 0: No Combustbile Zone

Located zero to five feet from buildings, decks and other structures, this area is key to establish safe space around your property. Avoid ignition in this area by removal of all plants and shrubs near windows, clear out leaves and needles from the roof and rain gutters, trim trees and remove dead branches hanging near the home, and use noncombustible materials such as rock, stone pavers, cement, or sand.

Zone 1: Lean, Clean and Green Zone

This area stretches five to 30 feet from buildings and structures. Landscaping is essential to proper maintenance and includes removing and pruning of all dead plants, grass and weeds. Avoid placing large quantities of mulch that can ignite during a fire, and relocate items outside the area including gas, propane, and wood piles.

Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Zone

is 30 to 100 feet out from buildings and structures. Space out shrubs and trees, trim grass to allow for a maximum height of 4 inches, remove all dry brush and branches. Place all wood piles at least 10 feet from surroundings to reduce ember ignition. 

Prevention & Weed Abatement

Contact the North County Fire Protectin District's Fire Protection Bureau to report hazardous weeds or brush in your area. Submit a report online at: ncfireca.gov/weed-abatement or call (760) 723-2010