Will It Burn? The 0-5 Foot Noncombustible Zone

The first five feet around a home – the most critical part of defensible space – must be entirely noncombustible. Although wildfire resilience requires a systems-based approach, this mitigation step helps protect homes from wind-driven ember (the leading cause of home ignitions) and limits fire spread to the structure.

This zone often contains combustible items – vegetation, mulch, fences, furniture – that embers can ignite when they land. IBHS research shows wind-driven embers accumulate here and use combustible items as fuel to spread flames and radiant heat to the home. Because embers exploit the weakest link, all combustible items, regardless of whether it’s labeled “wildfire-reseistan”, must be removed. This zone also, must be regularly maintained.

Great Job! You correctly selected the combustible items in the 0-5 foot Zone.

You should not have selected:

Concrete Bird Bath – Solid concrete yard ornaments are noncombustible and can be kept safely in the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone.

Metal Benches – Solid metal furniture and decorations are noncombustible and can be kept safely in the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone.

You should have selected:

Hostas– Hostas are considered fire-resistant but are still combustible and can cause direct flame contact to your home. They should not be kept in the 0-5 Foot Noncombustible Zone.

Wood Mulch – Wood mulch is highly combustible and can permit fire to spread to the structure quickly threatening your home. It should not be kept in the 0-5 Foot Noncombustible Zone.

Trash or Recycling Bins - Trash bins are combustible and can cause direct flame contact to your home or drip flaming plastic onto your siding and windows, easily spreading fire to your home. They should not be kept in the 0-5 Foot Noncombustible Zone.

To protect your home during Red Flag Warnings or extended absences, clear vegetative debris and remove any combustible items from the 0-5 Foot Noncombustible Zone.