Mastering Defensible Space: Expert Tips from CAL FIRE

Rooted in Care

Mar 31, 2025•44 min•Ep. 2

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Episode description

Wildfires don’t wait for an invitation—so how prepared is your home? In this episode of Rooted in Care, hosts Chantel Davis and Buddy Marshall sit down with Heather McCulley, Deputy Chief for Wildfire Preparedness at Cal Fire, to crack the code on keeping your property safe from wildfires.

With 28 years of firefighting experience, Heather has seen it all—from homes that stand strong in the face of flames to those lost due to simple oversights. She’s here to share the do’s and don’ts of wildfire prep, so you can take real, actionable steps to protect your home before fire season sparks up.

From home hardening techniques to collaborating with local Fire Safe Councils, Heather shares Cal Fire's proactive strategies for property defense and invaluable resources for homeowners. Curious why defensible space matters and what you can do to protect your property? This episode is for you!

Heather’s Mentioned Resources:

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection | CAL FIRE

Prepare | CAL FIRE

Home - Ready for Wildfire CAL FIRE Safety & Preparedness Tips

Fire-Smart Landscaping For Enhanced Wildfire Safety | CAL FIRE

Wildfire Home Hardening Guide | Prepare for Wildfire | CAL FIRE

Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide

Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation | OSFM

NIST.GOV Hazard Mitigation Methodology

IBHS.org – Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

FSRI Safety Academy

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