Western Washington used to feel safe from wildfires. But recent years have shown that Puget Sound communities are no longer immune. Dry summers, windstorms, and nearby forest growth have made areas like Tacoma, Olympia, and even the outskirts of Seattle more vulnerable.
Creating wildfire defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property—and your family.
Defensible space is the buffer zone between your home and flammable vegetation or structures. When properly maintained, this space can:
According to the WA Department of Natural Resources, homes with defensible space are 4–6x more likely to survive a wildfire.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends three zones:
🔹 Zone 1 (0–30 ft from home):
Remove dead plants, grass, and weeds
Prune tree branches up 6–10 feet from the ground
Keep roof and gutters clear of needles and leaves
Use fire-resistant landscaping
🔹 Zone 2 (30–70 ft):
Thin smaller trees and shrubs
Space tree canopies at least 10 feet apart
Remove ladder fuels that allow fire to climb trees
🔹 Zone 3 (70–100+ ft):
Create a managed transition zone
Reduce fuel load with selective thinning
Maintain clear access routes for emergency vehicles
Prune Trees Properly:
Remove dead or overhanging limbs, and lift low branches that can ignite from ground fires.
Create Vertical & Horizontal Spacing:
Avoid clusters of trees/shrubs. Break up vegetation so fire can’t leap easily.
Clear Combustible Materials:
Remove bark mulch, firewood, propane tanks, and leaf piles from Zone 1.
Choose Fire-Resistant Plants:
Western Washington native plants like salal, Oregon grape, and red-flowering currant are less likely to catch fire.
Home Hardening:
Install ember-resistant vents, noncombustible roofing, and screens on all openings.
The Washington DNR offers resources and, in some areas, rebates up to $1,000 to help homeowners create defensible space. Sound Tree Care LLC is your local expert at grant funding compliance
Defensible space is a fire-prevention buffer zone that every homeowner in Western Washington should prioritize—especially in wooded or semi-rural areas around Puget Sound, Tacoma, Olympia, and Snohomish County. By creating a 100-foot safety perimeter with fire-resistant landscaping, strategic tree pruning, and regular debris clearing, you can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage. This zone not only protects your home but also improves firefighter access and increases your property's chances of surviving embers and fast-moving flames. For maximum protection, defensible space should be combined with home hardening techniques and regular inspections by a certified arborist.
Creating defensible space isn’t just about cutting trees—it's about strategic thinning and keeping your landscape healthy and fire-safe. A certified arborist can:
Creating and maintaining an effective defensible space can be a complex and time-consuming task. Hiring Sound Tree Care LLC can provide numerous benefits. We have the knowledge and experience to assess your property, identify potential risks, and implement effective measures to safeguard your home and property.
Sound Tree Care LLC can also provide ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure your defensible space remains effective over time. They stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in wildfire prevention and can tailor their services to your specific needs and the unique characteristics of your property.
In addition to professional services, there are various resources and tools available to homeowners for wildfire prevention and preparedness. Local fire departments often offer educational materials and workshops on creating defensible space and implementing other wildfire mitigation strategies. These resources can provide valuable guidance and support in protecting your home.
Online resources, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the U.S. Forest Service, Washington State Department of Natural Resources offer comprehensive information on wildfire prevention, defensible space guidelines, grants that may be available to fund fire prevention work, and other mitigation strategies. These websites provide access to guides, videos, and interactive tools that can assist homeowners in understanding and implementing effective wildfire prevention measures.
Numerous case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of defensible space in protecting homes and properties from wildfires. These examples highlight the importance of proactive measures and the positive impact they can have in reducing the risk of fire damage.
One such case study is the Montecito Fire Protection District in California. By implementing defensible space measures and educating homeowners about wildfire prevention, they significantly reduced the risk of homes being destroyed during wildfires. The district's efforts serve as a model for other communities facing similar wildfire risks.
Further information found on Mitigating Wildfire Vulnerability: A Community Success Story by the US Fire Administration
At Sound Tree Care, we help homeowners across Puget Sound protect their homes through professional tree pruning, risk assessment, and defensible space planning.
📞 Call 206-486-7790 today for a free estimate or consultation.
Create a Request Online
📍 Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, and more.
Did you know that 80 percent of homes lost to wild land fire may have been saved if they had cleared away any brush and deadwood around the houses and created a defensible space?
NFPA.org provides grants to homeowners for the fire prevention tree care services we provide as part of county-wide efforts to prevent wildfires and keep citizens safe.
You can learn more and apply here. http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA/Become-a-Firewise-USA-site
To learn more about
Washington’s Firewise initiatives and how to protect your home and your loved ones during wildfire season,
go to https://kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/forestry/forestfire.aspx
For more helpful tips on keeping your King County property safe, download and read King County's 2022 Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy: https://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/climate/documents/king-county-wildfire-strategy-report.pdf
If you’re a homeowner, it can be highly stressful if a wildfire begins and spreads to your general location or residence. Learn everything you need to know about wildfires and how to stay safe. Wildfire Safety Guide | Cutter Law P.C.
Fires and asbestos
Wildfires and house fires have the potential to disturb asbestos, even if it has been professionally contained. The asbestos can be released into the air quickly and inhaled with the smoke.
Asbestos-containing products inside the home can continue releasing asbestos fibers long after the fire is extinguished. Immediate remediation may be necessary.
Here's a resource information for anyone impacted, covering emergency aid, mental health support, and how to prepare for what’s next: [ Click Here ]
Sound Tree Care provides residential and commercial tree services in SeaTac and the greater Seattle area. We have a certified arborist on staff, and our tree care specialists are ISA certified. We are happy to help you create a defensible zone around your home and provide tree care services to keep your trees healthy and your home safe.
Sound Tree Care LLC - ISA Certified Arborists Tree Removal, Pruning, & More
Seattle, WA 📞 (206) 486-7790
info@soundtreecarellc.com
Licensed • Insured • Registered Tree Service
Contractor License: SOUNDTL769CQ | SDCI: TSP-18505
Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, and the greater Puget Sound region, Sound Tree Care LLC provides professional tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, and arborist consulting. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists is proud to serve Western Washington communities with safe, code-compliant tree care.
Dana Ledford ISA Certified Arborist
Eric Ledford ISA Certified Arborist
