Perimeter defense
Zone 0 defensible space starts where the house can ignite
RF1 helps homeowners clean up the first 5 feet, reduce near-home fuel, and create documentation that explains what changed.
Perimeter DefenseA practical first pass around the house
These are the issues RF1 looks for first because they are close to the structure, easy to photograph, and often easy to improve.
Read the California Zone 0 law guide- 01
Clear leaves, bark, pine needles, and dead plant material from the first 5 feet.
- 02
Move stored items, bins, firewood, and furniture away from walls, decks, and openings.
- 03
Separate plants from siding, windows, vents, fences, and stairs.
- 04
Replace problem mulch edges with noncombustible transitions where practical.
- 05
Keep the area maintainable so debris does not return after one cleanup.
- 06
Photograph the work with clear before and after angles.
Zone 0 works best with structure defense
A clean perimeter reduces fuel near the home. Ember-resistant vents, sealed gaps, and cleaner roof or gutter edges reduce the paths embers can use once they reach the structure.
Learn about ember-resistant ventsLooking for the California law, not the service checklist?
The learn article covers Zone 0 legal context, timing, and homeowner requirements. This page is the practical cleanup and mitigation guide.