Reduce wildfire risk to homes, businesses

SACRAMENTO – With more than 4 million acres of their state burned in 2020, Californians are painfully aware of their wildfire risk.

Before the next fire comes, though, they can make their home or business less likely to be damaged or destroyed. The key is to reduce the fire’s access to fuel on their property or part of the dwelling itself.

Mitigation specialists typically divide a property into two zones. The first extends from the home out for 30 feet, which CAL FIRE says should be “lean, clean and green.” If one lives on a hill it should be extended on the downhill side. No shrubs or landsca...