🌍 Global Wildfires: Defensible Space in France vs. the US 🔥 Wildfires are a growing global challenge, and the key to protecting lives, homes, and ecosystems lies in preparedness. One crucial tool? Defensible space. Defensible space is a buffer zone around a structure that slows or stops the spread of wildfire. But did you know the dimensions of these zones vary widely between countries? For example: 🇺🇸 In the US, defensible space is often divided into two or three zones: Zone 1 (0-30 feet): Immediate clearance, focusing on removing all flammable vegetation. Zone 2 (30-100 feet): Reduced fuel, with tree spacing and trimming to reduce fire intensity. Zone 3 (optional, beyond 100 feet): Managing vegetation to slow the fire. 🇫🇷 In France, the law requires homeowners in wildfire-prone areas to clear vegetation within 50 meters (about 164 feet) of their property. While the approach may differ, the principle is the same: minimize risk by removing fuel near structures. Both approaches highlight proactive measures to adapt to unique landscapes and wildfire risks. You can visualise the defensible space surrounding your asset in 3D here: https://lnkd.in/efRUXKYF 🌟 Why It Matters: As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the need to tailor defensible space practices to local conditions is critical. This is not just a matter of policy but of saving lives and communities. 💬 Join the Conversation: How does your community define and implement defensible space? Could these approaches inspire new strategies elsewhere? WARUCENE HWD | House Water Dome STME FIRE U.S. Fire Administration Frontline Wildfire Defense Ember Defense Protection Civile française Réserve Communale de Sécurité Civile - Nice FIRE-RES SAFERS project #WildfirePrevention #DefensibleSpace #ClimateAdaptation #Sustainability
Bimal Pandey
3w
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Research has shown that defensible distances higher than 20-30m (US) and >40m (Australia) do not confer added protection. This will be truer in countries where houses are mostly built using non-burnable materials, like in the Mediterranean. Laws & regulations should thus be updated in countries like France & Portugal to be more scientifically sound.