Space trees and shrubs to break up fuel continuity
FireSmart (and Firewise USA) describe the area roughly 10 to 30 metres (about 30 to 100 feet) from the house as the extended zone, where the goal is...
FireSmart (and Firewise USA) describe the area roughly 10 to 30 metres (about 30 to 100 feet) from the house as the extended zone, where the goal is to reduce the intensity of any approaching fire by breaking up continuous fuel. Selectively remove evergreen trees so that single trees or small groups of trees have at least three metres of horizontal space between their crowns. Prune lower branches up to two metres above the ground so a surface fire cannot climb into the canopy and become a crown fire. In the 1.5–10 metre intermediate zone, plant fire-resistant species in small islands rather than continuous hedges, and separate those islands with gravel paths, stone, or mowed lawn. Avoid planting anything taller than mature shrub height directly under power lines, against the wall of the house, or under overhanging eaves. If trees are tall enough that their crowns reach the roof, prune branches back so they are at least three metres clear of the structure. Spacing is not about removing your forest — it is about making sure flame cannot travel from tree to tree, or from tree to house, in an unbroken line.
Three metres of clear space between tree crowns and two metres of pruned-up trunk is enough to drop a crown fire back to the ground, where crews can actually fight it.
Source: FireSmart BC — Home Ignition Zone
Last reviewed 2026-05-02.
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