Making Your Home Fire Safe
Fire Safe Landscaping
How to protect your investment against wildfire destruction.
A good two page introduction to defensible space from the California Fire Safe Council.
University of California Homeowner's Wildfire Mitigation Guide
Information in the Homeowner's Wildfire Mitigation Guide was compiled by a number of people at University of California, Berkeley, and is based on input from fire tests, observations of wildfire damage, and input from those who are involved in firefighting. It is very important to realize that no (livable!) house is fire proof, but you can make it more fire-safe!
The website is organized to give you an opportunity to make changes to your home and the surroundings to reduce the possibility of damage from wildfires. Some of the changes can be done very quickly and relatively inexpensively. Others may require more effort, expense, and, in some cases, professional help.
Defending Against Wildfires
Defend yourself from the next major fire that threatens our community by taking appropriate measures now (click on Fire Prevention & Safety at the left, then on Defending Against Wildfires near the bottom of the page).
Living With Fire in Santa Clara County
Our new Living with Fire in Santa Clara County Brochure for property owners and residents in Santa Clara County.
Topics covered in this publication include:
- Defensible Space - What it is, FAQs
- Creating Defensible Space - A Step-by-Step Guide
- Fire Safe Landscape Design
- Planting Trees Near Power Lines
- Fire Resistant Plants
- Roofing Materials
- When Wildfire Approaches
California Living - Fire Safe Video
From Oakland to Riverside, “California Living: Fire Safe” takes viewers to locations throughout California, demonstrating step-by-step how homeowners living in fire danger zones can protect their loved ones, homes and communities from the devastating effects of wildfire. Helpful instructions include how to create defensible space on property, identify potential hazards, and select fire retardant landscaping.
"Firewise" Information
The Firewise Website has information about wildfires and how to prepare and protect your home.
Santa Clara County Weed Abatement Program
The Santa Clara County Weed Abatement Program is under the Department of Agriculture. Click on Weed Abatement Program in the list at the left and then on the items under that (e.g., Report a Hazard). Their phone number is (408) 282-3145. For freeway entrances and other Caltrans properties, you can use the Caltrans Maintenance Service Request.