California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

According to California law as of 2005, how large must defensible space be around structures to mitigate fire hazards?

1. 50 feet

2. 100 feet

3. 150 feet

4. 200 feet

The correct answer is: 100 feet

The correct answer of 100 feet is established by California law to create a defensible space around structures, aiming to reduce fire hazards effectively. This zone is crucial as it helps to create a buffer between the home and the surrounding vegetation that could potentially ignite in a wildfire. The 100-foot defensible space guideline promotes the removal of flammable materials and encourages fire-resistant landscaping practices within this distance. This design aims to limit both the fire's ability to spread toward structures and the intensity of that fire, thereby improving the odds of protecting both the property and life. It's essential for homeowners and property managers in fire-prone areas to understand that this distance is not arbitrary; it is based on research and fire behavior patterns observed over time. Creating a defensible space within this 100-foot area can have a significant impact on fire safety, providing not just a buffer but also methods to slow the spread of fire to allow for better escape routes and clearer access for firefighting efforts.