Our objective is to create the Defensible Space necessary for effective fire protection in newly constructed and/or remodeled homes within the Department’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Fuel modification reduces the radiant and convective heat, and provides valuable defensible space for firefighters to make an effective stand against an approaching fire front. Fuel modification zones are strategically placed as a buffer to open space, or areas of natural vegetation and generally would occur surrounding the perimeter of a subdivision, commercial development, or isolated development of a single-family dwelling.

THE FUEL MODIFICATION PLAN Here we identify specific zones within a property which are subject to fuel modification. A fuel modification zone is a strip of land where combustible native or ornamental vegetation has been modified and/or partially or totally replaced with drought-tolerant, low-fuel-volume plants.

THE FUEL MODIFICATION UNIT We provides guidelines and reviews the landscape and irrigation plans submitted by the property owner for approval before construction or remodeling of a structure. The fuel modification plans vary in complexity and reflect the fire history, the amount and type of vegetation, the arrangement of the fuels, topography, local weather patters, and construction, design and placement of structures.