Hayward-Fairview Defensible Space Program

Defensible space is a buffer zone between your home and surrounding vegetation that reduces wildfire risk. This space slows fire spread and provides safer conditions for firefighters. Maintaining defensible space is especially critical in the high-risk wildfire zones of the Hayward Hills and Fairview area.
Drawing of a house showing the defensible space zones

Understanding Defensible Space Zones

Defensible space is divided into three zones, each with specific vegetation management requirements:

Zone 0: Ember-Resistant Zone (0–5 feet)

Zone 0: Ember-Resistant Zone (0-5 feet) around a home.

Critical for preventing ember intrusion. The first 5 feet around your home are the most important. Keep this area clear of anything that can burn—mulch, dead plants, firewood, furniture. Most homes are lost to wind-blown embers, not flames. A clean buffer here can stop fire before it starts.

  • Use noncombustible materials (gravel, stone, concrete).
  • Remove all dead vegetation and debris.
  • Keep roofs and gutters clean.
  • Eliminate combustible items (e.g., outdoor furniture, firewood).
  • Maintain clearance around chimneys and vents.

Zone 1: Lean, Clean, and Green (5–30 feet)

A rock wall is shown as Zone 1: Lean, Clean and Green (5-30 feet) around the yard of home.

Reduce vegetation, remove dead material, and keep plants green and healthy. Space out trees and shrubs so flames can’t spread easily. This defensible zone protects your home and gives fire crews room to work.

  • Remove dead plants, leaves, and pine needles.
  • Trim tree branches 10 feet from structures and chimneys.
  • Prune shrubs and clear vegetation under decks.
  • Ensure space between flammable items (e.g., furniture, wood piles).
  • Relocate firewood to Zone 2.

Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Zone (30–100 feet or to property line)

A home surrounded by burnt vegetation showing Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Zone (30-100 feet of to the property line)

Minimize fuel buildup and manage vegetation continuity. Cut grasses low, thin trees, and remove dry brush and debris. The goal is to reduce fire intensity before it gets close. Well-managed space here slows fire and supports firefighter efforts.

  • Cut grass to 4 inches or less.
  • Space trees and shrubs both horizontally and vertically.
  • Remove fallen branches and leaves (max 3 inches depth).
  • Maintain defensible space around outbuildings and LPG tanks.

Retrofitting your home can significantly increase fire resistance:

  • Install ember-resistant vents and nonflammable screens on chimneys.
  • Replace wood-shingle roofs with Class A roofing materials (e.g., asphalt, metal, tile).
  • Use dual-paned tempered glass for windows.
  • Avoid combustible siding; consider stucco or fiber cement.
  • Construct decks and fences using ignition-resistant materials.
  • Apply weather stripping to garage doors.
  • Keep driveways and access roads clear of vegetation (10 ft clearance on both sides).
  • Display address numbers clearly from the street.

CAL FIRE: Home Hardening Demonstration Burn w/ IBHS

Ember Storm Lab Test

Improper tool use can ignite wildfires. Follow these safety protocols:

  • Mow before 10 a.m.—never on hot or windy days.
  • Use string trimmers instead of metal-blade mowers.
  • Maintain spark arresters on gasoline-powered equipment.
  • Keep tools clean and in working order.
  • Use proper fuel and avoid overfilling.

Vertical Spacing ("Ladder Fuels")

Drawing of trees to depict fuel ladders and how they allow flames to climb

Avoid fuel ladders that allow flames to climb:

  • Trim tree branches to maintain 6 feet clearance from ground.
  • Multiply shrub height by 3 for vertical spacing between shrubs and lower tree limbs.

Horizontal Spacing by Slope

Image depicting horizontal spacing by slope

Slope %

Shrub Spacing

Tree Spacing

0-20% (flat)2x shrub height10 feet
20-40% (moderate)4x shrub height20 feet
>40% (steep)6x shrub height30 feet

Fire-Resistant Landscaping Tips

  • Choose low-sap, high-moisture plants.
  • Install noncombustible features (patios, rock walls).
  • Avoid clearing vegetation to bare soil near waterways to prevent erosion.
  • Recommended plants: 
    • Groundcover: Ice plant, aloe
    • Shrubs: Sumac, bush honeysuckle
    • Trees: Maple, cherry, poplar (avoid pines and firs)

The Hayward Fire Department offers ongoing community education:

2021 Workshop Series:

For more information, contact: FiresafeHFD@hayward-ca.gov (510) 583-4930