Zone 3 - Fortifying the Area

ZONE 3

GOAL: This zone focuses on mitigation that keeps fire on the ground, but it’s also a space to make choices that can improve forest health. Unfortunately, you no longer need to live in the forest to be in wildfire danger. If the distance of 100 feet to the edge of Zone 3 stretches beyond your property lines, it’s encouraged to work with adjoining property owners to complete an appropriate defensible space. If your house is on steep slopes or has certain topographic considerations, this zone may be larger.

STEPS TO CONSIDER

• Mowing grasses is not necessary in Zone 3

• Watch for hazards associated with ladder fuels. The chance of a surface fire climbing into the trees is reduced in a forest where surface fuels are widely separated, and low tree branches are removed.

• Tree crown spacing of 6-10 feet is suggested. Consider creating openings or meadows between small clumps of trees so fire must transition to the ground to keep moving.

• Any approved method of slash treatment is acceptable in this zone, including removal, piling and burning, lop and scatter, or mulching. Lop-and-scatter or mulching treatments should be minimized in favor of treatments that reduce the amount of woody material in the zone. The farther this material is from the home, the better.

This information is from this helpful booklet from Colorado State Forest Service see the link to download the pdf

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