Home ignition zone (HIZ)

The Immediate Zone is a crucial non-combustible area that starts at your house and extends 1.5 metres around your home and attached structures, including decks. To reduce the risk of wind-blown embers igniting your home, take these proactive steps:

• Use non-combustible building materials for construction or renovations
• Clear vegetation and combustible materials down to mineral soil, then cover with gravel, brick, or concrete
• Avoid planting woody shrubs or trees. If any are present, prune and maintain them regularly

In the Intermediate Zone, elements are managed to prevent fire from reaching your home. Here’s how you can reduce your home’s vulnerability:

• Plant fire-resistant vegetation: Choose non-combustible landscaping materials
• Avoid woody debris: Refrain from using mulch or any woody debris
• Remove combustible items: Keep firewood piles, construction materials, patio furniture, tools, and decorative pieces out of this zone
• Relocate combustible structures: Move trailers, recreational vehicles, storage sheds, and other combustible items to the Extended Zone. If relocation isn’t possible, store firewood inside a mitigated garage, shed, or other ember-resistant structure
• Create non-combustible ground cover: Place a gravel pad underneath and 1.5 metres around trailers, recreational vehicles, and sheds

The Extended Zone focuses on reducing fire intensity rather than eliminating it. If your property extends into this zone, here are some essential steps to take:

• Selective Tree Removal: Create at least 3 metres of horizontal space between the crowns of single or grouped evergreen trees.
• Branch Removal: Remove all branches up to 2 metres from the ground.
• Surface Fuel Management: Regularly clean fallen branches, dry grass, and needles to eliminate potential surface fuels
• Extended Property Application: Continue applying these principles beyond 30 metres. Collaborate with neighbours in overlapping zones and seek guidance from a forest professional if dealing with other conditions like steep slopes.