Defensible Space is the 100’ area around your home. It is divided into 3 zones with specific requirements for how to treat vegetation and other combustibles. Proper preparation of your defensible space helps to protect your home from wildfire and provides a safer space for fire fighters to work during a wildfire.

https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8695

No, not necessarily. Home hardening is also strongly suggested to give your home the best chances of
surviving a wildfire. Depending on your home and property’s specific characteristics, various home hardening projects may be valuable defenses.

https://readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wildfire-home-retrfito-guide-1.26.21.pdf

No! Good defensible space is about separating vegetation and other combustibles in your yard, not clear
cutting. In general, trees need to be limbed up to at least 6 feet off the ground, dead limbs and branches removed, bushes moved away from trees, and grasses cut to 4” or less. 

https://bof.fire.ca.gov/media/4mwdav3l/rpc-2-c-defensible-space-guidance-document_ada.pdf

No! You do not need a permit to do basic oak tree trimming and maintenance. See these documents for more details. 

https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/files/assets/county/v/1/documents/land-use/long-range-planning/granicus-migrated-documents/faq-ormp-oak-conservation-ord-1-29-18.pdf

Do I need special permission to work on vegetation in these areas? Possibly! See these fliers for more details and contact CDFW if you think you need a permit. 

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Contact

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP

Propane tanks are vital utilities for many El Dorado County residents. However, if not properly placed and prepared, they can become another hazard during a wildfire. Refer to this diagram for general placement information

Additionally, all propane tanks need to have 10’ of clearance down to bare mineral dirt or non-combustible hardscaping surrounding them 

Unfortunately, this assessment program can not solve the complicated insurance problems we are all facing right now. It will, however, arm you with information and a better understanding of what insurance companies might be requesting and why. Homeowners can also learn about potential insurance discounts for defensible space and home hardening work whether you are on the CA Fair Plan or other insurance carriers.