The Ramona West End Fire Safe Council will present a Zone Zero – Defensible Space for Wildfire Protection event to help Ramona residents protect their homes.
The free presentation is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Lane.
Bob Ilko of the Scripps Ranch Civic Association Project Phoenix Fire Recovery Committee will address Zone Zero regulations and guidelines recently adopted by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Included in the comprehensive discussion will be what you need to know if you live in the city of San Diego or unincorporated San Diego County; vegetation management and home protection; timeline for compliance; and information about homeowners’ insurance and evacuation notification.
Zone Zero is the first 5 feet surrounding buildings, decks and other structures. Some preliminary tips for this zone are to use nonflammable materials such as rock, stone pavers, cement, bare earth, gravel or sand and do not use flammable bark or mulch within this zone. Also to remove all plants and shrubs near windows; limit plants in this area to low growing, non-woody, properly watered and maintained plants. Limit flammable items such as outdoor furniture and planters on top of decks that may capture embers; relocate firewood and lumber to be stored at least 30 feet from a home; replace flammable fencing, gates and arbors attached to a home with nonflammable alternatives; relocate garbage and recycling containers outside this zone; and relocate boats, RVs, vehicles and other flammable items outside this zone.
For details, contact Kristi Mansolf at kmansolf@gmail.com.