Frequently Asked Questions

You can call the Defensible Space Hotline at 858-668-4611.

Creating defensible space refers to managing the vegetation within 100-feet of a structure. It requires:

• Cutting and trimming of highly flammable chaparral
• Removal of dead or dying trees and shrubs
• Horizontal and vertical spacing between groups of plantings
• Limiting the amount of vegetation immediately adjacent to the structure

Defensible space does not require clearing, grubbing, grading, or the exposure of bare soil. 

It is important to have a landscape design that considers the types of plants used and their arrangement that achieves the objectives stated above and as outlined in Section 4 of the City of Poway's Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual. Please note that the Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual applies only to new developments, however the concepts and ideas contained within this document can assist homeowners and designers reduce their wildfire risk. 

The goal is to reduce the risk of ignition to homes during wildfires. This primarily involves the reduction of flammable vegetation around structures. Reducing highly flammable vegetation will shorten the flame length and reduce the speed and intensity of a wildfire. Defensible space around structures will increase the ability to survive a wildfire.

The creation of defensible space is an important part of the comprehensive strategy to lessen the devastating impacts of wildfire. It is the Fire Department’s experience that providing for defensible space is an effective, efficient, proven, and practical action that a community can take to reduce our significant wildfire risk.

The program includes:

• The reduction of flammable vegetation on city-owned land near structures
• Providing individualized home assessments to homeowners
• Public education
• Annual maintenance
• Inspections to ensure that the reduction of flammable vegetation is maintained

• A home and any attached garage or other attached building
• A building designed primarily for human use
• A building designed to house farm animals

A distance of 100 feet is used to:

• Help prevent a fire from igniting a structure
• Reduce the risk of burning embers penetrating a structure
• Enhance firefighter safety

The Fire Department's Fire Prevention Officer will conduct the assessments. 

Yes, you may request a home ignition zone assessment by contacting Fire Prevention. Home assessments will be conducted based on fire risk, as determined by staff.

A no-fee application must be completed prior to the removal of any protected habitat or vegetation. The application will be completed by city staff during the home assessment process. This application allows the city to track the amount and type of vegetation removed for fire safety.

• Homeowners may do the work themselves and utilize the city’s unlimited green curbside refuse service.
• Homeowners may choose to hire a contractor, in which case, costs will vary considerably. Upon request, the city will provide contractor information for estimates.

Wood chips and organic compost are not recommended to be placed within five feet of the structure. Greater than five feet from the structure, wood chips and organic mulch are allowed at a depth of no more than six inches. Wood chip piles are regulated through the Fire Code since they can be a fire danger. 

Existing fences, decks, and detached patio covers may remain within the wildfire defensible space area. However, as these features may present an increased fire risk to the structure, nonbinding fire safe recommendations will be provided by city staff to residents. In high fire risk areas, the materials and method of construction of new fences, decks, and patio covers are regulated by Chapter 15.24.100 Wildland-Urban Interface Code in the Poway Municipal Code.