California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

What is one of the measures included in creating defensible space around a house?

1. Planting easily ignitable vegetation

2. Clearing all trees within 50 feet

3. Trimming branches above 6 feet

4. Leaving flammable materials on the roof

The correct answer is: Trimming branches above 6 feet

Creating defensible space around a house is a crucial strategy in wildfire prevention, designed to reduce the risk of fire spreading to residences. Trimming branches above 6 feet is an effective measure because it helps prevent flames from reaching the roof of the house. By keeping tree branches trimmed at a sufficient height, you reduce the chances of fire from ground-level vegetation igniting taller vegetation and then transferring fire to the structure itself. This creates a safer environment and aids in maintaining a buffer zone that can effectively help with fire resistance. The other measures listed do not contribute positively to the goal of creating defensible space. For instance, planting easily ignitable vegetation and leaving flammable materials on the roof increase fire risk, while clearing all trees within 50 feet could lead to loss of habitat and might not effectively create a safety barrier. Overall, maintaining adequate spacing and minimizing fuels around the home is essential in fire-prone areas, making the practice of trimming branches above 6 feet a sound choice for defensible space.