Wildfire Defensible Space Laws & Regulations — 2026
State-by-state guide to defensible space requirements, enforcement, and penalties across the Western United States.
California — PRC 4291 & CAL FIRE Requirements
California has the most stringent wildfire defensible space requirements in the nation. Under Public Resources Code 4291, all property owners in State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around all structures. CAL FIRE conducts mandatory inspections and can issue citations with fines starting at $100 per day for non-compliance.
The 2023 Wildfire Insurance Crisis has made compliance even more critical — major insurers including State Farm and Allstate have stopped writing new policies in California, and documented defensible space compliance is increasingly required to maintain existing coverage.
Colorado — HB 22-1011 & WUI Requirements
Colorado's HB 22-1011 (2022) established new requirements for properties in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) oversees enforcement. Counties with high WUI populations — including Jefferson, Boulder, Larimer, and El Paso — have adopted additional local ordinances.
Oregon — SB 762 (2021)
Oregon's Senate Bill 762 is one of the most comprehensive wildfire laws in the country. It requires the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to map all properties by wildfire risk level and mandates defensible space compliance with mandatory inspections beginning in 2025. Properties classified as High or Extreme risk face the most stringent requirements.
Washington — RCW 76.04 & DNR Requirements
Washington's RCW 76.04 governs forest fire protection in State Responsibility Areas. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforces defensible space requirements in Eastern Washington counties, where wildfire risk is highest.
Federal Requirements
Properties adjacent to National Forest land are subject to additional requirements under the USDA Forest Service and local National Forest management plans. The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding for community-level wildfire mitigation projects.
| State | Key Law | Enforcing Agency | Penalty for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | PRC 4291 | CAL FIRE | $100+/day citation; insurance non-renewal |
| Colorado | HB 22-1011 | DFPC + county | County fines; insurance requirements |
| Oregon | SB 762 (2021) | ODF | Mandatory inspection failure; fines from 2025 |
| Washington | RCW 76.04 | DNR | Fines in SRA zones; liability exposure |
| Montana | MCA 76-13 | DNRC | Recommended compliance; liability exposure |
| Idaho | Title 38 IC | IDL | Recommended compliance; insurance requirements |