Clark County, WA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Recommended clearance
- 30 ft defensible space
- Firewood setback
- 30 ft uphill from home
- Moderate hazard WUI
- 30 ft
- High hazard WUI
- 50 ft
- Extreme hazard WUI
- 100 ft
Summary
Clark County recommends a 30-foot defensible space cleared of flammable vegetation around your house, with firewood and combustible debris moved at least 30 feet uphill. Washington's Wildland-Urban Interface Code sets 30, 50 or 100 feet by hazard level.
Create a 30-foot clear space around your house, called a 'defensible space.' Relocate firewood and other combustible debris (wood scraps, grass clippings, leaf piles, etc.) at least 30 feet uphill from your home.
Full Breakdown
Clark County wildfire-prevention guidance advises creating a 30-foot clear defensible space around the home, the area where vegetation is modified or removed to reduce fire threat. Homeowners should remove tall dry grasses and leaf accumulations, clear roofs and gutters, and relocate firewood and combustible debris at least 30 feet uphill. Washington adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (effective Oct. 29, 2023), which sets defensible space by hazard: 30 feet for moderate, 50 feet for high and 100 feet for extreme hazard. The county sets no blanket clearance mandate for existing lots; requirements attach to new WUI construction and to city ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain defensible space on new WUI-permitted construction can block final inspection; existing-lot clearance is advisory unless a city ordinance mandates it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brush clearance mandatory in Clark County?
How much defensible space does Washington require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.