When it comes to wildfire protection, the first five feet around your home can make all the difference.

Known as the immediate zone, this area is the most critical part of your defensible space because it is where wind-driven embers are most likely to ignite your home. During a wildfire, embers can travel miles ahead of the flames and ignite combustible materials near your house.

The good news is that simple maintenance and landscaping changes can dramatically reduce your risk.

What Is “Check Your 5”?

“Check Your 5” is a reminder to inspect and maintain the first five feet surrounding your home to create an ember-resistant zone.

Here are five key actions you can take:

1. Remove Anything That Can Burn

Clear away dry leaves, pine needles, firewood, cardboard boxes, outdoor furniture cushions, and other combustible materials from around your home.

2. Replace Mulch With Stone or Gravel

Wood mulch can easily ignite from embers. Consider replacing combustible mulch with nonflammable landscaping materials such as gravel, rock, or stone.

3. Keep Your Home Exterior Clean

Regularly clean roofs, gutters, decks, porches, and under-deck areas where leaves and debris can accumulate.

4. Make Your Home’s Touchpoints Ember Resistant

Fences, gates, decks, and stairs that connect directly to your home can carry fire to the structure. Use ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials whenever possible.

5. Space and Maintain Plants

Keep vegetation trimmed and well-watered. Avoid dense plantings close to the home and remove dead or dying vegetation promptly.

Why the First 5 Feet Matter

Research from wildfire agencies and fire safety experts shows that the immediate area surrounding a structure is often where homes are lost during wildfires. Embers landing in combustible materials near the house can quickly ignite siding, decks, vents, or roofs.

Creating a noncombustible buffer zone helps stop fire before it reaches your home.

Take Action Today

Wildfire preparedness starts at home. By taking a few proactive steps now, you can significantly improve your home’s survivability during a wildfire event.

Walk around your home today and “Check Your 5.”

Together, we can build a safer, more fire-resilient community.