Fire Prevention Recommendations for Urban-Wildland Interface Areas

Vegetation & Tree Management

  • Priority: Reduce Ladder Fuels
    • Remove understory vegetation (trees 4–6" diameter, dense undergrowth) and trim tree branches up to 18 inches (knee height) to prevent ground fires from reaching the canopy.
    • Target flammable species like fir, bay laurel, and invasive Scotch broom.
  • Selective Thinning
    • Focus on small, dead, or hazardous trees (especially near power lines/roads).
    • Preserve mature redwoods, madrones, and hardwoods unless defective.
    • Avoid clear-cutting; prioritize clusters (e.g., 20 small trees in 100 sq ft) to promote forest health.
  • Invasive Species Control
    • Manually remove Scotch broom before seeding and commit to long-term efforts (5–7 years).
    • Isolate or haul cuttings to prevent regrowth.
  • Avoid
    • Unnecessary removal of large, healthy trees.
    • Disturbing protected species or privacy shrubs (e.g., huckleberry).

Debris & Fuel Management

Sonoma County Chipper Program
free chipping services from spring to fall.

  • Debris Disposal
    • Chip and scatter (keep piles low), windrow (compress debris), or compost/burn invasive species (if permitted).
  • Post-Removal
    • Use chippers for small material
    • Coordinate with PG&E for large wood (cut into 6–8 ft sections).
  • Avoid
    • Leaving debris unmanaged (e.g., scattering dry tinder on slopes).

Coordination & Logistics

  • Utility Collaboration
    • Work with PG&E on tree removal near power lines
  • Volunteer Management
    • Plan workshops, assign clear tasks (e.g., marking trees), and phase work (start with undergrowth, then larger trees).
  • County Services
    • Note limitations (e.g., 3-hour chipping windows, no Scotch broom handling).

Tools & Techniques

  • Preferred Tools
    • Battery-operated tools (pruner, sawzall), loppers, shrub pullers and hand tools for precision.
  • Avoid Chainsaws
    • Reserve for trained professionals due to cost and safety risks
  • Steep Slopes
    • Exercise caution (50% grades)
    • Prioritize fuel reduction.

Homeowner Actions

Defensible Space & Structural Safety

  • Zones
    • 0–5 ft: Non-combustible area (clear vegetation, flammable materials).
    • 5–30 ft: Reduced fuel density (trimmed grass, spaced trees).
  • Structural Hardening
    • Enclose eaves, decks, and vents with non-combustible materials (metal, cement board).
    • Clean gutters/dryer vents
    • Install ember-resistant gutter covers.
  • Avoid
    • Storing firewood or flammable items near the house.
    • Planting flammable species near structures.

Key Principles

  • Phased Approach
    • Start small (undergrowth) before tackling larger trees.
    • You can always cut more, but you can’t replant.
  • Ecological Balance
    • Preserve native species, canopy shade (to suppress undergrowth) and biodiversity.
  • Communication
    • Align with homeowners on priorities (e.g., privacy vs. fire safety)
    • Share wildfire protection guidelines.

Final Takeaways

  • Focus on reducing ladder fuels
  • Manage debris responsibly
  • Preserve mature trees.
  • Coordinate with utilities
  • Use safe tools
  • Empower homeowners to create defensible spaces

Balance ecological health with fire risk mitigation through targeted, phased efforts.

Christopher Fohner did a drive through on Sunrise Mountain Road in April 2025 identifying priorities for our volunteer work days. His suggestions were recorded, transcribed, and summarized above.

Christopher's bona fides: (Coast Ridge Community Forest (CRCF), Fort Ross VFD,  Madronus Wildfire Defense doing home assessments (hardening and defensible space) and needed follow up work for wildfire protection. He also assists in running the chipper program for CRCF in the area atop Fort Ross Road.