HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix N - Fire Protection PlanCONIFER COURT RV & SELF STORAGE
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
TRACT 15117
APN: 0237-411-27
Fontana, California
September 20, 2024
Owner: Conifer Court, LLC
c/o New Bridge Homes
500 Newport Center Drive, Suite 570
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Prepared by: Herbert Spitzer, Senior Wildland Fire Associate
Reviewed & Certified by:
Mel Johnson, Owner
Certified CEQA Wildland Fire Consultant
FIREWISE 2000, LLC
PO Box 339
Lower Lake, CA 95457
Info@firewise2000.com
(760) 745-3947
CONIFER COURT RV & SELF STORAGE
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
Table of Contents
Section Page
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1
1.1 General Information 2
1.2 Purpose 3
1.3 Relevant Codes and Standards 3
1.4 Fire Protection Plans – California 3
2.0 WILDLAND FIRE HAZARD AND RISK ASSESSMENT 4
2.1 On and Off-Site Fire Hazard and Risk Assessment 5
2.2 Predicting Wildland Fire Behavior 9
3.0 PREDICTING FIRE BEHAVIOR 10
3.1 Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations for the Off-Site 11
Hazardous Vegetative Fuels
3.2 Interpreting Fire Behavior 13
4.0 ASSESSING STRUCTURE IGNITIONS IN THE WILDLAND/URBAN INTERFACE 14
4.1 Firebrands/Embers 14
4.2 Radiant Heat/Direct Flame Impingement 15
4.3 Fire Resistant Plant Palette 16
5.0 FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TIMES 17
6.0 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONE DESCRIPTIONS
& REQUIRED TREATMENTS 18
6.1 Ember Resistant Zone 0 18
6.2 Fuel Modification Zone 1A 18
6.3 Fuel Modification Zone 1B 20
6.4 Fuel Modification Zone 2 21
7.0 Construction Standards 22
7.1 Pre-Construction Requirements 22
7.2 Fuel Modification Access Ways 22
8.0 INFRASTRUCTURE 23
8.1 Water Supply 23
8.2 Access Roads and Gates 24
8.3 Electric Supply 24
9.0 OWNER RESPONSIBILIES & EDUCATION 24
10.0 FIRE PROTECTION PLAN MAP EXHIBIT 26
APPENDICES
Prohibited Plants and Trees APPENDIX ‘A’
Literature Referenced APPENDIX ‘B’
Noncombustible & Fire-Resistant Building Materials APPENDIX ‘C’
Ignition Resistant Construction Requirements APPENDIX ‘D’
Site Plan APPENDIX ‘E’
Landscape Plan APPENDIX ‘F’
CONIFER COURT RV & SELF STORAGE
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
APN: 0237-411-27
TRACT 15117
Fontana, California
September 20, 2024
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Conifer Court RV and Self Storage project hereinafter referred to as the Project is located south of
Village Drive and east of Live Oak Avenue within the Southridge Village Specific Plan in the City of
Fontana, California (see Photo #1). The Project is located within a declared Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone. The Fontana Fire Protection District (FFPD) is the fire authority for the Project.
Photo 1 – Aerial View of Project. The Project is located east of Southridge
Park, south of the Declez Flood Control Channel and adjacent groundwater
recharge basins, and north, east, and south, of City of Fontana land (Parcel
2), which is within the adjacent Southridge Village Open Space Reserve.
The proposed Project consists of the development of 688 indoor storage units and 8 parking stalls, all
located on approximately 7.49 acres that is located at an elevation of approximately 950 feet. Included
in the development are a detention/infiltration basin, office facilities and a trail along the south side of
the development. The units will consist of both storage units as well as indoor RV storage space. The
office building will be the tallest structure within the Project at a height of 25 feet. Please refer to
Appendix ‘E’ for a site plan of the general layout of the Project including property lines, proposed
structure locations, detention/infiltration basin, adjoining property, and roadways.
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Figure 1 – Assessor Parcel View Shown in Blue. To the west and along the
south side of the Project is Parcel 2 owned by the City of Fontana.
A Fire Protection Plan (FPP) must be submitted to and approved by the FFPD. The approved FPP shall
be recorded with the San Bernardino County recorder’s office. The FPP assesses the overall (on-site
and off-site) wildland fire hazards and risks that may threaten life and property associated with the
proposed Project. In addition, the FPP establishes both short-term and long-term vegetation
management actions required to minimize any projected wildland fire hazards and assigns annual
maintenance responsibilities for each of the required vegetation management actions.
1.1 General Information
Owner: Conifer Court, LLC
c/o New Bridge Homes
500 Newport Center Drive, Suite 570
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Approving Departments:
Fire Authority: Fontana Fire Protection District
Water: Fontana Water Company
Electricity: So. California Edison Company
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1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this FPP is to provide Fuel Modification Zone treatment and building feature
direction for developers, architects, builders, fire and building officials to use in making the
proposed development safe from wildland fires. The goal of this FPP is to minimize any potential
loss of life, structures, or personal property due to a wildland fire. Appendices attached to this FPP
that provide additional information shall be considered part of this FPP.
This FPP includes:
• A wildland fire hazard rating assessment and calculations of the expected fire behavior in
the event a wildland fire should occur within the offsite and onsite native and exotic
vegetation.
• A long-term perimeter vegetative fuel modification treatment and maintenance plan to
minimize any loss to residential structures within the planned development due to wildland
fire.
• A long-term interior open space fuel modification treatment plan and “firewise
landscaping” criteria to be deployed around all planned structures.
• Building construction and design criteria to be applied to the structures built on the lots
adjacent to or in a high fire hazard zone with wildland fuels and exposure to embers.
• A review of existing architectural plans, ignition resistant building features, and community
protection systems (e.g., water and access), and specifications to assure these plans, features
and systems adequately protect life and property.
1.3 Relevant Building Codes and Standards
Requirements in this FPP are based upon current requirements listed in the 2022 edition of the
California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1280 and Title 24, Part 9; 2022 California Fire
Code including Appendices to Chapters 1 & 4 and Appendices B, F & H and Local Amendments;
Chapter 7A - 2022 California Building Code; California Government Code, sections 51175 through
51189; California Public Resources Codes sections 4201 through 4204; 2022 California Residential
Code, Title 24, Part 2.5; National Fire Protection Association Standards (NFPA) 13-D and 1140,
2022 Editions; Bernardino County’s Current Fire Protection Ordinance; Standards A-1, A-2, A-3,
B-2, F-3 and G-2 and the San Bernardino County Fire Safety Overlay District FS-3 Requirements
and City of Fontana Ordinance No 1907 adopting the 2022 California Codes.
1.4 Fire Protection Plans - California
The 2022 California Fire Code requires a Final Fire Protection Plan (FPP) to be approved prior to
construction. A FPP includes a Landscape and Planting Plan for all the common areas that is
consistent with this plan. The landscape plan is found in Appendix ‘F.’
This FPP includes:
• A wildland fire hazard rating assessment and calculations of the expected fire behavior in
the event a wildland fire should occur within the offsite and onsite native and exotic
vegetation.
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• A short and long-term vegetative fuel modification treatment and maintenance plan around
each structure to minimize any loss to residential structures within the planned development
due to wildland fire.
• A short and long-term interior and perimeter open space fuel modification treatment plan
including “firewise landscaping” criteria to be deployed in the community.
• Building construction and design criteria to be applied to all the lots.
• A review of existing architectural plans, ignition resistant building features, and community
protection systems (e.g., water and access), and specifications to assure these plans,
features, and systems adequately protect life and property.
Appendices attached to this FPP that provide additional information shall be considered part of this
plan.
Photo 2 – Looking at the North Facing Slopes South of the Project. The Project
is located on the opposite side of this hillside. Should this hillside have a wildfire,
embers from this area are likely to land within the Project, especially during strong
southerly winds.
2.0 WILDLAND FIRE HAZARD AND RISK ASSESSMENT
The following wildland fire hazard and risk assessment is based upon historical weather data and
existing and forecasted vegetation that would exist in a climax plant community. Wildfire risk is a
measure of the chance of a fire starting, as determined by the presence and activity of causative agents.
Fire hazard is the result of a combination of vegetation, topography, climate, weather, and the threat of
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fire to life and property that create difficult and dangerous conditions. The primary focus of this
document is mitigation of the fire hazard and to a lesser extent, the reduction of risk of a fire starting
within Tract 15117.
Embers during a wildland fire in the vicinity of the Project (See Photo 2) will be a significant fire
concern along with expected fire behavior.
2.1 On Site/Off Site Fire Hazard and Risk Assessment
The Project is located within an area identified as being a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone as
shown in Figure 2. The Project is located on irregular terrain created by prior quarrying operations.
Nearly all of the site will be graded removing wildland and exotic fuels. The vegetation adjacent to
the Project consists of California Buckwheat, mustard, sage, brittlebush, and native and exotic
grasses (see Photo #2). Firewise2000, LLC noted there are several areas with large rock
outcroppings which will reduce fire behavior along the perimter of the Project.
Figure 2 – Fire Hazard Zone. The red area represents the Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone. The arrow points to the project site. Note that the area to the east and
south are all in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
There is a history of large wildfires in the area. The most recent large fire to threaten the Project
area was the 1996 Philadelphia Fire (See Figure 3). The area has re-vegetated since the fire as is
typical of herbaceous plant communities, with a high percentage of the plants containing an
abundance of dead material. This is because of the local Mediterranean climate where warm wet
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winters promote abundant new growth, and long, hot, and very dry summer seasons frequently
occur. Occasionally, multi-year droughts cause significant parts of native plants to die back.
Figure 3 – Fire History. The 1996 Philadelphia Fire was the last major wildland
fire to burn near the project. Prior to this fire, the 1958 Southern Pacific #1 fire
burned nearly all the Project site.
The major wildland fire threat is from the east and south of the project. This threat comes from the
adjacent undeveloped land and its associated fuels, history of significant fires, and severe fire
weather conditions. Fire history and adjacent vegetation that borders the project along the east and
south sides of the Project can be seen in Photo 3. Note that to the south is the Southridge Village
Open Space Reserve. Wildland fuels will continue to exist to the south of the Project and pose a
threat from not only radiant and convective heat but also wind blown embers.
A large wildland fire is herein defined as one that burns 100 acres or more. Not all fires are mapped,
especially smaller ones. Occasionally a small fire is mapped and included in the data when it results
in a significant loss of life or property. No small wildland fires were found in the data f or the area
surrounding the Project.
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Northern Exposure
No wildland fuels are present as this exposure contains developed property as seen in Photo 1.
Photo 3 – Looking East Along the Northern Project Boundary. The eastern
Project Boundary can be seen in the distance. The Project is located between the
Declez flood control channel on the left and the hillside on the right. Note the
remnants of quarrying operations.
Eastern Exposure
The undeveloped land in proximity to the eastern side of the Project can contribute to a damaging
wildland fire event. Any wind driven wildfire burning under a northeastern (Santa Ana) wind
pattern through areas to the east creates a wildland fire hazard to the proposed Project.
Santa Ana winds in the range of 60-80 MPH are known within most of San Bernardino County.
The anticipated wind, slope, and fuels are not in alignment with the proposed structures which is
beneficial. A fire burning under this wind condition along much of the eastern boundary will burn
downhill toward the Project, thereby reducing fire intensity and the impact on the proposed
structures. Wildland fires starting east of the proposed structures on a typical fire day with a
southwest wind will burn away from the proposed structures and will generally not be a significant
wildland fire hazard.
For fire behavior planning purposes the expected climax vegetation is best described as a combined
Fuel Model of SCAL18 - Sage/Buckwheat (70%) and gs1 – Low load, dry climate grass-shrub
(30%). Fuel model gs1 has 0.2 tons per acre of 1-hr fuels and 0.0 tons of 10-hr fuels. SCAL18 has
5.5 tons per acre for 1-hr fuels and 0.8 tons per acre for 10-hr fuels and 0.1 tons per acre of 100-hr
fuels. All the native plants are adapted to intense wildfires needed for species regeneration. Slopes
along the eastern property line range between 0 to 5 percent.
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Southern Exposure
The entire length of the southern exposure to wildland fire will be adjacent to City of Fontana land
including that located within the adjacent Southridge Village Open Space Reserve (See Photos 1
and 4). As the site was previously used for a rock quarry, there is a steep non-vegetated rock facing
cliff above much of the exposure. The area south of the cliff will be a significant source of
firebrands or embers. Located between the structures and open space will be a trail that will run
parallel to the Project.
For fire behavior planning purposes the expected climax vegetation is best described as a combined
Fuel Model of gs1 – Low load, dry climate grass-shrub (80%) and SCAL18 - Sage/Buckwheat
(20%). The slopes are all downhill into the Project which will reduce fire behavior. These slopes
range from 15 to 75 percent within 100 feet of the Project.
Photo 4 – Looking South Along the Western Property Line toward the Southern
Exposure. The western boundary of the Project is near the tip of the arrow. Note
the steep rock cliff which is part of the southern boundary.
Western Exposure
The entire western exposure will consist of a narrow strip of land of 10 feet within the Project
followed by City of Fontana land, as seen in Photo 4 and 5. Nearly all this area has been disturbed
during quarrying operations. The vegetation that remains is light and contains a significant amount
of exposed rock. The likely climax vegetation will also be light with some areas likely to be absent
of vegetation due to the presence of rock on the surface.
A portion of the structures built along the western side of the Project will have a retaining wall on
their western side and therefore the buildings will be partially recessed into the hillside . This will
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reduce the structure to less radiant heat. All the structures on the western perimeter will be RV
storage units and therefore have an interior height of 16 feet in height .
Photo 5 – Looking South, West of the Western Property Line. The western
boundary of the Project is near the tip of the arrow. Little wildland vegetation
currently remains and rock outcroppings are exposed. It is expected to partially
recover over time.
For fire behavior planning purposes the expected climax vegetation is best described as a combined
Fuel Model of [gr1 - Short, sparse, dry climate grass (90%) and gs1 - Low load, dry climate grass-
shrub (10%)]. There will also likely be pockets that will be without vegetation. The slopes are a
combination of uphill on the southern portion of the exposure and downhill on the northern portion.
These slopes range from 10 to 35 percent within 100 feet of the storage units.
2.2 Weather Review and Assessment
Weather has a dramatic influence on wildland fire behavior. The most critical weather pattern to
the project area is a hot, dry offshore wind, typically called a Santa Ana. In San Bernardino County
such wind conditions are usually associated with strong (>60 MPH), hot, dry winds with very low
(<15%) relative humidity. Santa Ana winds originate over the dry desert land and can occur anytime
of the year. However, they generally occur in the late fall September through May as noted by
Robert G. Fovell, PhD. and Yang Cao, PhD. For wildland fires, these winds are critical before the
onset of winter rains. This is also when non-irrigated vegetation is at its lowest moisture content.
The prevailing winds are generally from the southwest to west. These winds typically have higher
moisture (relative humidity) during summer months and normally the wind speed subsides at
sunset. Approximately 85% to 90% of wildland fires in this area burn under prevailing winds. The
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Project will be located adjacent to a downhill slope which is beneficial as fire behavior will not be
as extreme.
There is an historic pattern of significant wildland fires burning from the south and southwest.
Every 5-10 years, a ‘rare event’ hot dry, southwest to west wind of 30-MPH will occur. This
moderately strong, dry wind condition usually occurs in the late afternoon or early evenings on
very hot days, especially during the summer (June through September) months.
Fire agencies throughout the western United States rely on a sophisticated system of Remote
Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) to monitor weather conditions and aid in the forecasting of
fire danger. The project lies between two RAWS. To the north is the Devore RAWS. It is located
at Latitude 34° 13' 16" and Longitude 117° 24' 16" at an altitude of 2057 feet. It is located near the
mouth of the Cajon Pass where Santa Ana winds can exceed 80 miles per hour. Another RAWS,
the Clark RAWS, is located southeast of the Project, approximately 17 miles away. Winds at the
Clark RAWS have not been recorded over 60 MPH. As a result, Firewise2000, LLC used the
average for worst case wind from each RAWS or 70 MPH for the Project.
Historical weather data was obtained from the RAWS (Remote Automatic Weather Station)
network stations located closest to the project area. The Western Region Climate Center located in
Reno, NV houses all historic weather data for the western United States.
3.0 PREDICTING WILDLAND FIRE BEHAVIOR
The BehavePlus 6.0.0 Fire Behavior Prediction and Fuel Modeling System developed by USDA–
Forest Service research scientists Patricia L. Andrews and Faith Ann Heinsch at the Intermountain
Forest Fire Laboratory, Missoula, Montana, is one of the best systematic methods for predi cting
wildland fire behavior. The BehavePlus 6.0.0 fire behavior computer modeling system is utilized by
over 90 percent of wildland fire experts nationwide. Wildland fire managers use the BehavePlus 6.0.0
modeling system to project the expected fire intensity, rate-of-spread and flame lengths with a
reasonable degree of certainty for use in Fire Protection Planning. Firewise2000, LLC used the
BehavePlus 6.0.0 Fire Behavior Prediction Model to make the fire behavior assessments for the Conifer
Court Self Storage Facility discussed below.
Because the model was designed to predict the spread of a surface fire, the fire model describes the fire
behavior only within the flaming front. The primary driving force in the fire behavior calculations is
the dead fuel, less than one-fourth inch in diameter; these are the fine fuels that carry the fire. Fuels
larger than 1/4-inch contribute to fire intensity, but not necessarily to fire spread. The BehavePlus fire
model includes a model (surface fire spread and intensity) to describe a wildfire spreading through
surface fuels, which are the burnable materials within six (6’) feet of the ground and contiguous to the
ground. Regardless of the limitations expressed, experienced wildland fire managers can use the
BehavePlus modeling system to project the expected fire intensity (expressed as Btu/ft/sec), rate-of-
spread (feet/minute) and flame lengths (feet) with a reasonable degree of certainty for fire protection
planning purposes. Of these three fire behavior projections, f lame length is the most critical in
determining structure protection requirements.
Comparisons of computer calculations to observed fire behavior by Firewise2000, LLC . wildland fire
staff has validated the modeling system for use in wildland protection planning.
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3.1 Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations for the On- and Off-Site Hazardous Vegetative Fuels
Wildland fire behavior calculations have been projected for the hazardous vegetative fuels located
in the undeveloped area bordering the proposed Project. These projections are based on scenarios
that are ‘worst case’ San Bernardino County fire weather and fuel moisture assumptions for the
Project area.
The scenarios which follow contain the projected fire behavior under worst case wildland fuel and
weather conditons followed by a calculation for the expected fire behavior under the same weather
and fuel moisture conditions in treated fuels. The treated fuels consists of a thinning fuel
modification that is described in Section 6.4.
Over the past decade, California and much of the Western United States has been experiencing
increased fire behavior from what was typically seen in the past as documented by firefighters
from multiple agencies. It is due in part to our warming climate, which frequently results in lower
relative humidity over prolonged periods of time in turn resulting in lower moisture content in both
living and dead wildland fuels. When fuels are drier, they burn hotter and are easier to ignite,
especially on hot days as the fuel temperature is closer to its ignition temperature. The fire behavior
calculation inputs for anticipated fuel moistures have been adjusted to account for climate change
and thus, better represent “worst case” weather. This change results in increased flame lengths of
approximately 5 feet in heavy fuels. When the fuel type is lighter, the flame lengths are
proportionaly less than those obtained in heavy fuels.
The worst case wind condition of 70 MPH is a significant wildland fire behavior factor. The wind
is so strong that it overrides the influence of the downhill slopes.
The worst case scenario fire behavior calculations depicted below display the expected Rate of Fire
Spread (expressed in feet per minute), Fireline Intensity (expressed in BTU’s/feet/second) and
Flame Length (expressed in feet). The scenarios also include the calculation inputs used in the
BehavePlus 6.0.0 program and were obtained from site observations and fuel moisture levels
forecast during the worst part of the local fire season.
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Fire Scenario 1 - Eastern Exposure
Fire Approaching from the North or Northeast
(Late Fire Season With 70 MPH North, Northeast and East Wind Conditions)
Fire Behavior Calculation Input Data
• 5 percent slope
• 70 mph 20-foot wind speed
• 45o wind direction from north
• 20o aspect from the north
Anticipated Fuel Moistures
* 1-Hour Fine Fuel Moisture of…………... 2%
* 10-Hour Fuel Moisture of.…….……....… 2%
* 100-Hour Fuel Moisture of.....…….....….. 3%
* Live Herbaceous Fuel Moisture of.…… 30%
* Live Woody Fuel Moisture of……........ 45%
Expected Fire Behavior – Wildland Fuels
Combined Fuel Model [Fuel Model of SCAL18 - Sage/Buckwheat (70%) and
gs1 – Low load, dry climate grass-shrub (30%)]
Rate of Spread - 352 ft/min
Fireline Intensity - 28,420Btu/ft/s
Flame Length - 50.3 feet
Expected Fire Behavior in Treated Fuels
Combined Fuel Model - [tl6 – Moderate load broadleaf litter (50%) and
gr1 – Short sparse dry climate grass (50%)]
Rate of Spread - 22 ft/min
Fireline Intensity - 67 Btu/ft/s
Flame Length - 3.1 feet
Fire Scenario 2 - Southern Exposure
Fire Approaching from the Southwest or West
(Late Summer Fire With 30 MPH Southwest or West Wind Conditions)
Fire Behavior Calculation Input Data
• 20 percent slope
• 70 mph 20-foot wind speed
• 45o wind direction from north
• 40o aspect from the north
Anticipated Fuel Moistures
* 1-Hour Fine Fuel Moisture of….……….. 2%
* 10-Hour Fuel Moisture of.…….……....... 2%
* 100-Hour Fuel Moisture of.....…….....…. 4%
* Live Herbaceous Fuel Moisture of.…… 30%
* Live Woody Fuel Moisture of……........ 55%
Expected Fire Behavior – Wildland Fuels
Combined Fuel Model [gs1 – Low load, dry climate grass-shrub (80%) and
SCAL18 - Sage/Buckwheat (20%)]
Rate of Spread - 115 ft/min
Fireline Intensity - 11,995 Btu/ft/s
Flame Length - 33.8 feet
Expected Fire Behavior in Treated Fuels
Combined Fuel Model - [tl2– Low load broadleaf litter (50%) and
gr1 – Short sparse dry climate grass (50%)]
Rate of Spread - 23 ft/min
Fireline Intensity - 67 Btu/ft/s
Flame Length - 3.1 feet
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3.2 Interpreting Fire Behavior
When assessing the fire hazard, flame length is a critical componet. Flame length modeled for
worst case high winds, fuels, fuel moisure, and topography is an indicator of how close to a
structure a flame will get from burning wildland fuels. It is critical not to allow direct contact with
a structure. How flame lengths are measured for a fire burning in vegetation that is growing within
6 feet of the ground surface is shown in Figure 4. All measurements of flame length in this FPP
are shown in feet.
Figure 4 – Flame Length. It is critical not to allow any flame from coming
into contact with a structure..
Fire Scenario 3 - Western Exposure
Fire Approaching from the West or Northwest
(Late Summer Fire With 30 MPH West or Northwest Wind Conditions)
Fire Behavior Calculation Input Data
• 20 percent slope
• 30 mph 20-foot wind speed
• 225o wind direction from north
• 90o aspect from the north
Anticipated Fuel Moistures
* 1-Hour Fine Fuel Moisture of….……….. 2%
* 10-Hour Fuel Moisture of.…….……....... 2%
* 100-Hour Fuel Moisture of.....…….....…. 4%
* Live Herbaceous Fuel Moisture of.…… 30%
* Live Woody Fuel Moisture of……........ 55%
Expected Fire Behavior – Wildland Fuels
Combined Fuel Model [gr1 - Short, sparse, dry climate grass (90%) and
gs1 - Low load, dry climate grass-shrub (10%)]
Rate of Spread - 48 ft/min
Fireline Intensity - 638 Btu/ft/s
Flame Length - 8.8 feet
Expected Fire Behavior in Treated Fuels
Combined Fuel Model - [tl2 – Low load broadleaf litter (50%) and
gr1 – Short sparse dry climate grass (50%)]
Rate of Spread - 25 ft/min
Fireline Intensity - 67 Btu/ft/s
Flame Length - 3.1 feet
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Flame length is more important than flame height. During high wind, flames are pushed
horizontally thus causing the flames to bend over and potentially come into contact with the
adjacent vegetation which then can quickly ignite. With high winds, flame length is always greater
than flame height. Flame length and rate of spread are generally easily visualized. However,
fireline intensity is not easily comprehended. Fireline intensity is a product of the available heat of
combustion per unit of ground and the rate of spread of the fire, interpreted as the heat released
per unit of time for each unit of length of the fire edge. To help visualize this parameter, the
following chart is meant to help the owners interpret the calculations:
Flame
Length
Fireline
Intensity
Interpretation
Feet Btu/ft/s
< 4 <100 Fire can generally be attacked at the head or flanks by persons
using hand tools or spraying water from garden hose. Handline
should hold the fire.
4-8 100-500 Fires are too intense for direct attack on the head by persons
using hand tools or spraying water from a garden hose.
Handline cannot be relied on to hold the fire.
8-11 500-1,000 Fires may present serious control problems – torching out,
crowning, and spotting. Control efforts at the fires head will
probably be ineffective.
>11 >1,000 Crowning, spotting, and major fire runs are probable. Control
efforts at the head of the fire by ground based fire suppression
resources are ineffective.
Evaluating the fire behavior calculations in Section 3.1 against the above chart demonstrates that
extreme fire behavior can occur under worst case weather and fuel moisture conditions adjacent to the
Project. It also demonstrates the importance of fuel modification to reducing fire behavior.
4.0 ASSESSING STRUCTURE IGNITIONS IN THE WILDLAND/URBAN
INTERFACE
Structure ignitions from wildfires basically come from three sources of heat: convective firebrands
(flying embers), direct flame impingement, and radiant heat. The BehavePlus Fire Behavior Computer
Modeling Program does not address wind blown embers or firebrands. However, even though ignition
resistant exterior building materials will be used in the construction of all the storage units (see
APPENDIX ‘D’ for the description of ‘ignition resistive construction’), wind driven embers and
radiant heat issues are a major concern and addressed in this FPP.
4.1 Firebrands/Embers
Firebrands are pieces of burning materials that detach from burning fuel due to the strong
convection drafts in the flaming zone. Firebrands may also be referred to as embers. Firebrands
can be carried a long distance (one mile or more) by fire drafts and strong winds. Severe
wildland/urban interface fires can produce heavy showers of firebrands. The chance of these
firebrands igniting a structure will depend on the size and number of the firebrands, how long each
burns after contact, and the type of building materials, building design, and construction features
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that are incorporated into the structure. Firebrands landing on combustible roofing and decks are
common sources for structure ignition. They can also enter a structure through unscreened vents,
decks and chimneys, unprotected skylights, and overhangs.
Even with noncombustible roofing, firebrands landing on leaves, needles, and other combustibles
located on a roof (due to lack of maintenance) can cause structure ignition. Any open windows,
doors or other types of unscreened openings are sources for ember s to enter a structure during a
wildland fire. If the herein maintenance issues are addressed on a regular basis, firebrands should
not be a concern for the Conifer Court Self Storage facility as each structure will be constructed
with ignition resistant building materials.
Photo 5 – Ember Shower. Roofs that are not Class A fire rated, vents that are not
ember resistant, and combustible material that is located adjacent to a home can all
contribute to the loss of a structure and its contents. Note the fire on the roof and
the in the landscaping adjacent to the structure. Photo credit to the Insurance
Institute for Business & Home Safety.
4.2 Radiant Heat/Direct Flame Impingement
Radiation and convection involve the transfer of heat directly from the flames. Unlike radiation
heat transfer, convection requires that the flames or heat column contact the structure. An ignition
from radiation (given an exposed flammable surface) heat transfer depends on two aspects of the
flame: 1) the radiant heat flux to a combustible surface and, 2) the duration (length of time) of the
radiant flux. The radiant heat flux depends on the flame zone size, flame-structure distance, and
how much combustible material of the structure is exposed to the flame. While the flame from a
wildfire burns between 1,600 and 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, it is the duration of heat that is more
critical. For example, a blow torch flame typically approaches 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, yet a
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person can easily pass his/her hand through the flame. Heat duration only becomes critical to a
building with a wood exterior surface if the heat is allowed to remain for 30-90 seconds.
Research scientist Jack Cohen (retired) of the United States Forest Service has found that a home's
characteristics--its exterior materials and design in relation to the immediate area around a home
within 100 feet-- principally determine the home ignition potential. He calls the home and its
immediate surroundings the “home ignition zone”. In a study of ignition of wood wallboard, tests
by a USDA Forest Service research team described in the Proceedings, 1st International Fire and
Materials Conference showed that flame impingement for sufficient length of time (approximately
1 min.) ignites a typical hardboard siding material. Since the requirement in this FPP is for a non-
combustible wall or 1-hour fire resistive construction for the exterior portion of a structure, the
likelihood of structure’s exterior reaching ignition temperature is very unlikely due to either radiant
or convective heat.
Fire agencies consider vegetation management a principal approach to wildland fire hazard
reduction. Whenever the flame length, 1-2 minutes in duration or more, is equal to or more than
the separation of combustible vegetation from a combustible structure, there is a high probability
of structure ignition. Contact with a fire's convection heat column also may cause ignition but the
temperature of the column’s gases generally is not hot enough or long enough in duration to sustain
the ignition of the structure.
Comparing the expected wildland fire behavior projections in the scenarios found in Section 3.1
against the required fuel modification zone outlined in Section 6.4, demonstrates substantial
reductions in the expected flame length and fireline intensity.
By requiring the structures exposed to the threat of wildfire to incorporate the following guidelines,
those structures will be provided with the most effective treatment for minimizing losses from flame
impingement and associated radiant heat intensities.
• Each structure is constructed of ignition resistant building materials.
• The area surrounding each structure contains an irrigated zone (defensible space) and a
thinning zone (low fuel volume buffer strip) between the irrigated zone and untreated fuels.
The owner shall be required to maintain their property to Zone 0 and Zone 1A Fuel Modification
criteria and shall keep the roofs and rain gutters free of leaves, needles and other combustible debris.
All combustible materials must be properly stored 30 feet away from structures or within a structure
so that burning embers falling on or near the structures have no suitable host. The property owner
shall be responsible for keeping all doors and windows tightly closed whenever a wildland fire is
reported in the vicinity.
4.3 Fire Resistant Plant Palette
Wildland fire research has shown that some types of plants, including many natives, are more fire
resistant than others. These low fuel volume, non-oily, non-resinous plants are commonly refered
to as ‘fire resistant’. This term comes with the proviso that each year these plants are pruned, all
dead wood is removed and all grasses or other plant material are removed from beneath the
circumference of their canopies. Some native species are not considered ‘undesirable’ from a
wildfire risk management perspective provided they are properly maintained year round (refer to
APPENDIX ‘A’ for a list of prohibited plant species).
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San Bernardino County does not currently have a list of approved fire-resistant plants for fuel
modification zones. The trees, shrubs, vines, succulents (See Photo 7), and ground covers proposed
for use as landscaping in fuel modification zones is to be in accordance with two or more of the
following publications:
• https://www.firefree.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Fire-Resistant-Plants.pdf
• https://firesafesdcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Comprehensive-Fire-
Resistant-Plant-List.pdf
• https://fire.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Plant-Selection-Guidelines.pdf
• https://vcfd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PlantReferenceGuide.pdf
• https://www.firesafemonterey.org/plant-lists.html#table1
• https://sbcfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2015_Beneficial_plant_list-
1.pdf
• https://www.coltonfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/COL-Fuel-Mod-
Guideline-002.pdf
Landscape architects and designers including the Project’s owners should consult with the FFPD
for recommendations involving appropriate plants for Zone 1A or 1B if there is a concern about its
fire resistance. Avoid the use of all plants found in Appendix “A.”
5.0 FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TIMES
The Project is within the response area of the Fontana Fire Protection District. The closest engine to
the proposed Project is FFPD Fire Station #74 located at 11500 Live Oak Ave., Fontana, CA,
approximately 0.3 miles and 3 minutes travel time to the Project. The second closest engine is Riverside
County Station #17, located at 10400 San Sevaine Way, Mira Loma, CA. This station could respond
through an automatic aid agreement. This station is located 3.3 miles away with an estimated travel
time of 11 minutes. The next closest station is San Bernardino County Fire Station #72 located at 15380
San Bernardino Ave., Fontana, CA, approximately 3.9 miles and 12 minutes travel time from the
planned project based on Google Maps driving directions. Additional agencies such as Riverside
County Fire, Cal Fire, and other nearby city fire departments would also respond equipment under
mutual aid agreements but most likely arrive after FFPD engines were on-scene.
The response time for the first arriving engine meets the requirements of NFPA Standard 1710, 2022
edition – Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency
Medical Operations and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments.
There is no assurance that the closest fire station, the #74 Engine Company, will be in its station when
a wildfire threatens the Project from an ignition in the adjacent wildland. Engines may respond from
other stations located further away or from other incidents. On high/extreme fire danger days there
often may be multiple fire starts and engine companies may be already deployed on other incidents.
This is why Firewise2000, LLC planned projects use ‘defensible space’, ignition resistant building
features, and key fuel treatment strategies to enable residents to substantially increase their ability to
survive a wildfire on their own or until such time as firefighting equipment arrives and/or residents can
be safely evacuated.
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6.0 FUEL MODIFICATION ZONE DESCRIPTIONS & REQUIRED
TREATMENTS
The property owner shall be responsible for maintaining Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ) within the
Project. On the adjoining city land, a landscape maintenance district (LMD) will be responsible for its
maintenance. In the event the property is repossessed, the unit/agency holding title to the property will
be responsible for the maintenance. Below are the descriptions and required treatments for the FMZ’s.
All distances in this report are measured horizontally. These distances are depicted on the attached Fuel
Modification Plan Map Exhibit (See Section 11.0). Fuel Modification Zones together provide 100 or
more feet of treated area, depending on the structures location, which should be sufficient to mitigate
for direct flame impingment and the radiant heat effects of a worst case wildland fire with 50.3 foot
flame lengths from the east.
Due to the lack of onsite space for 100 feet of fuel modification, FMZ 2 will be located west of the
Project on adjacent land of the City of Fontana. FMZ 1B will be located on City of Fontana property
located south of the Project. See Fuel Modification Plan Map Exhibit, Section 11.0 for details regarding
all FMZ locations.
6.1 Ember Resistant Zone 0 (Lot Owner Maintained) - (Not Shown on the Fuel Modification
Plan Map Exhibit)
Defined
Zone 0 is part of what is commonly called the defensible space zone and shall be an area free of all
combustible materials including flammable mulch and plants. It is nearly a non-vegetated zone five
(5) feet in width that immediately surrounds each home/structure. Within this zone a few scattered
potted plants limited to 12 inches in height with a spread not to exeed one foot may be kept as long
as they are not plants from the undesirable plant list (Appendix A). Plants in this zone shall be
grown in noncombustible containers. Plants located in this zone shall not be located under vents or
windows or within five feet to either side of a window. This zone is designed to protect the building
from ignition that can result from wind-blown embers accumulating at the base of an exterior wall,
and from exposure to radiant heat or direct flame contact. Zone 0 may contain rock, gravel,
concrete, pavers, water features, noncombustible statuary, decomposed granite, or bare ground. The
intent of this zone is to significantly reduce the probability of fire coming in contact with a structure,
especially from accumulating wind blow embers landing at the base of a structure.
6.2 Fuel Modification Zone 1A (Lot Owner Maintained) - (Shown as on the
Fuel Modification Plan Map Exhibit)
Defined
Fuel Modification Zone 1A is the area commonly called the defensible space zone and shall be free
of all combustible materials. It is an irrigated landscaped zone extending from the outer edge of
Zone 0 to the lot property line. It provides the best protection against the high radiant heat produced
by wildfire. It also generally provides an open area in which fire suppression forces can safely
operate during wildfire events. This zone is typically located on a level or near level-graded area
around each structure and is also found on manufactured slope and within the detention/infiltration
basin located in the northern most portion of the Project between the Declez Channel and entrance
driveway.
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Required Landscaping
▪ Plants in this zone need to be fire resistant and shall not include any pyrophytes that are
high in oils and resins such as most pines, eucalyptus, cedar, cypress or juniper species.
Thick, succulent or leathery leaf species with high moisture content are the most ‘fire
resistant’. For a list of Prohibited Plant, See Appendix ‘A’.
▪ Zone 1A shall be cleared of all fire prone and undesirable plant species (see APPENDIX
‘A’).
▪ Plants in Zone 1A shall be in accordance with Section 4.3 - Fire Resistant Plant Palette.
▪ Xeriscape™ designs, where compatible and hardscape such as concrete, rock, pavers, and
similar non-combustible features are encouraged to break up fuel continuity within Zone
1A.
▪ Focus should be on approved ground covers and lawns that shall be maintained at a height
that does not exceed 4 inches.
▪ Flammable mulch products shall not be installed in Zone 1A.
▪ Trees that grow taller than the roof shall be single specimens or groupings of not more than
three trees selected from the approved plant list. Trees taller than the roof are to be planted
such that the mature canopies will be at least 10 feet from the exterior walls of the structure
or from the most distal point of a combustible projection, an attached accessory structure,
or an accessory structure within 10 feet of a habitable building to significantly reduce debris
accumulation on the roof or in gutters. Trees that do not grow above the roofline may be
planted closer to the structure.
▪ Landscapes designed with trees shall have a minimum of six feet of vertical separation from
low growing, irrigated vegetation that is located beneath each tree to the lower limbs of
each trees canopy.
▪ Shrubs, especially those planted beneath trees should be low growing, generally between 6
and 18 inches in height excluding flowering stalks and well-irrigated. Plants shall be fire
resistant.
▪ Avoid large mass plantings. Create opening between groups. Use rock, pavers, non-
vegetated walkways, water features and similar alternatives to plants to break up fuel
continuity.
▪ No combustible construction shall be placed in a fuel modification zone.
▪ An automatic irrigation system is required and shall be periodically maintained to insure its
effective operation.
▪ The watering schedule shall be set to maintain plant moisture content, especially during the
dry summer and fall months.
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▪ All vines shall be limited to their growing on masonry walls or metal shade structures
located 10 feet or more from a building.
Required Maintenance
▪ The project shall be maintained year round by the owner(s) within their property boundary
as required by this FPP.
▪ Irrigation systems shall be checked bi-weekly to insure proper working order.
▪ Any dead or dying plant material including flowering stalks shall be remove and replaced
monthly. Shrubs and trees are to be bi-annually maintained free of dead material.
▪ Trees shall be maintained such that lower branches and limbs shall be pruned to create
vertical separation between the limbs and vegetation growing beneath the tree canopy that
is equal to six feet or more from the vegetation.
▪ Firewood and similar combustible materials shall be 30 feet or more from any structure or
placed in a noncombustible structure for the purpose of fire protection.
▪ Roofs and gutters shall be cleared of any accumulated leaves, limbs, and other combustible
material as needed.
▪ All trees must be maintained to the current ANSI A300 standards [Tree, Shrub, and Other
Woody Plant Maintenance —Standard Practices (Pruning)] see (https://wwv.isa-
arbor.com/store/product/124/).
▪ Maintained height of shrubs located beneath trees shall not exceed 36 inches in height to
prevent ladder fuels.
▪ Remove all combustible materials including trash or debris which may have blown into the
landscape.
▪ Trees that grow taller than the roof of a nearby structure are to be maintained such that the
mature canopies will be at least 10 feet from the side of any structure.
6.3 Fuel Modification Zone 1B (Landscape Maintenance District Maintained) - (Shown
as on the Fuel Modification Plan Map Exhibit)
Defined
Zone 1B is identical to Zone 1A except that it is located on City owned property and is very rocky.
It is located along a 20-foot wide trail along the south side of the Project and shall include
manufactured slopes.
Required Landscaping
Same as listed for Zone 1A in Section 6.2
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• Should reclaimed water be available, it should be utilized in all irrigated landscaped
zones. Reclaimed water delivery is much less likely to be restricted during extreme
droughts.
• Drip irrigation may be utilized for individual trees and shrubs.
• Rocky areas are not required to be vegetated between shrubs and trees.
Required Maintenance
Same as listed for Zone 1A in Section 6.2
6.4 Fuel Modification Zone 2 (Landscape Maintenance District Maintained) - (Shown as
on the Fuel Modification Plan Map Exhibit)
Defined
Zone 2 is a non-irrigated transition area between the strict requirements of Zone 1A or 1B and
undisturbed native and exotic vegetation designed to maintain a reasonably open character in this
area. Zone 2 is typically a non-irrigated thinning zone beginning at the outer edge of Zone 1A or
1B. Thinning zones are utilized to reduce the fuel load of a wildland area near buildings thereby
reducing both radiant and convective heat of wildland fires. The intent is to achieve and maintain
an overall 50 percent reduction of the canopy cover spacing and a 50 percent reduction of the
original or nearby fuel loading by reducing the fuel in each remaining shrub or tree without
substantially decreasing the canopy cover or removing root systems.
Zone 2 is located west of the Project boundary and extends 100 feet from any structure within the
Project. It is noted that most of the area to be treated is currently very rocky and the projected worst
case fire behavior is low in comparison to the eastern and southern exposures.
Required Landscaping
▪ Thinning the native vegetation to a point where 50% open space is created between shrubs.
▪ Remove all dead or dying plants, woody debris, and exotic flammable vegetation including
designated prohibited plants (Appendix A).
▪ If native shrubs and chaparral plants are located within a tree’s drip line, the lowest branch
of the tree shall be a distance from the understory plant at least three times the height of the
shrub/chaparral or 10 feet, whichever is greater.
▪ Allowances for the needs of protected species and habitats will be considered in this zone.
▪ No combustible construction or materials are allowed in Zone 2.
Required Maintenance
▪ Annually maintain all tree crowns to keep a separation of ten feet between the ground fuels
(shrubs and ground covers) and the lower limbs. All trees must be maintained to the current
ANSI A300 standards [Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance — Standard
Practices (Pruning)] see https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/product/124.
▪ Root systems shall be retained to help prevent soil erosion.
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• Annually remove any undesirable exotic vegetation (see APPENDIX ‘A’) to maintain a
50% thinning from the original vegetation cover.
• Native and exotic annual and perennial grasses will be allowed to grow and produce seed
during the winter and spring. As grasses begin to cure (dry out), they shall be cut to four
(4) inches or less in height and maintained at that height until the following growing season.
• All maintenance residues shall be removed from Zone 2.
7.0 CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
All structures within the Project shall meet all wildland/interface standards to the satisfaction of the
FFPD and be designed and constructed with ignition resistant construction requirements. For a
summary description of ignition resistant construction requirements under the CBC Chapter 7A for
wildland urban interface zones as of the date of this report see APPENDIX ‘D’. The fire protection
features described herein shall be maintained to equivilent or greater ignition resistance.
Any future additional structures (such as additions, etc.) will require evaluation; will need to be
designed and constructed with the current Ignition Resistant Construction requirements in place at the
time of approval; and comply with the construction requirements outlined in APPENDIX ‘D’. Fire
officials may require additional mitigation on a case by case basis.
All non-habitable accessory structures such as decks, balconies, patios, covers, gazebos and fences
shall be built from non-combustible, ignition resistant, or heavy timber materials. The owners are not
restricted from having concrete or stone patios and walkways or swimming pools within the Fuel
Modification Zones in compliance with other codes. Refer to APPENDIX ‘C’ for photos and
descriptions of non-combustible decks, patio covers, and railings for these non-habitable accessory
structures.
Where this FPP requires specific construction features, these features shall not be changed without the
approval of the FFPD. These features are required to maintain reasonable fire safety.
7.1 Pre-Construction Requirements:
• Water and power utilities shall be approved and installed by the appropriate inspecting
department or agency.
• Zone 0, 1A, and 1B fuel modifications shall be cleared prior to combustible material
arriving on the site and shall be planted to the requirements listed in Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3,
and 6.4 after construction is completed.
• Approved Zone 2A, 2B, and 2C fuel treatment shall be provided prior to combustible
material arriving on site and shall be maintained throughout the duration of construction.
• All fire access roads shall be approved and installed.
7.2 Fuel Modification Access Ways
Fuel modification access ways are used not only for fuel modification maintenance but also for
wildland fire suppression. Access ways shall be at least twelve feet (12’) in width, with a grade not
to exceed 12%. Where the access is a street, it shall be capable of supporting fire apparatus.
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Between the development and wildland fuels, a perimeter 20-foot-wide decomposed granite trail
will exist along the southern Project boundary. It is accessible from the Project via a gated entrance
in the northeastern corner of the Project. The trail can be used by maintenance equipment such as
an ATV or small tractor to support maintenance operations as well as for emergency activities.
Access from the west can be made using the same trail beginning at its western terminus in
Southridge Park.
Additional Building Feature
The western most RV storage building, identified as building 9.3 on the site plan, shall have on its
western side a 12 foot tall exterior solid noncombustible block wall in lieu of a 1-hr rated wall.
This feature is mitigation for the lack of 50 feet of irrigated Zone 1A landscaping. Based on the
projected worst case fire behavior, this will provide the required protection. The owner may stucco
the exterior to maintain the Project design elements.
8.0 INFRASTRUCTURE
All structures shall be built to the most current version of the Fontana Fire Hazard Overlay District
requirements including Chapter 7A of the California Building Code. All structures shall be built with
fire resistive designs and features intended to assist firefighter access and aid in evacuation should it be
required. To support firefighting operations, the following are required:
8.1 Water Supply
The Project water supply will be provided by the Fontana Water Company. Based on the type and
size of the buildings and their useage, the minimum fire flow shall be a minimum of 1,500 GPM at
20psi residual pressure for 2-hour duration. The FFPD follows San Bernardino County Fire
Protection District Standard W-2 for Fire Protection Water Systems. The water supply within the
Project shall be designed as a looped system to allow water to be supplied from more than one
source as the total square footage of all the units exceeds 100,000 square feet.
Hydrants
The closest public hydrant is located across or north of Village Dr. along Conifer Ct. No hydrants
were observed on the south side of Village Dr. Additional fire hydrants are required. The exact
locations shall be determined by the FFPD. Fire hydrants are required to be located within 2 linear
feet of the edge of a public street and within 5 linear feet of an on-site fire apparatus access road.
The Fuel Modification Plan Map, Section 11.0, provides an example of where fire hydrants are
likely to be needed and therefore it is only a recommendation. Based on the density of the storage
units, it will not be possible to locate all the hydrants a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet to any
building as required by Standard W-2. Bullards or similar hydrant protection measures will also be
required.
Blue Dot Markers
Each fire hydrant shall have a blue dot marker in the street as described in City of Fontana Standard
Plan No 6001. Markers are used to help first responders locate fire hydrants and other water supply
points for firefighting.
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8.2 Access Roads and Gates
Access to the Project will be from a public roadway, Village Drive. Village Drive is an east/west
roadway that consists of two lanes. The entrance roadway and driveways within the Project will all
be private and maintained by the owner. These roadways/driveways that provide access shall be
termed a ‘Fire Access Road’ within this document. The fire access roads shall meet the
requirements of the FFPD Standards A-1 and A-2, shall be a paved surface capable of supporting
loads of 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight and with overhead clearance that is clear to the sky. All
interior access roads shall be a minimum of 26 feet in width to accommodate fire apparatus. Grades
must not exceed 15% however grades between 15% and 20% may be allowed for short distances
but must be paved with brushed concrete. The driveways in the RV storage portion of the Porject
shall be 50 feet in width.
Any gates to be installed shall meet FFPD Standard A-3 and shall be approved by the FFPD prior
to fabrication and installation. A ‘Knox’ override key switch must be installed outside the gate in
an approved, readily visible, and unobstructed location at or near the gate to provide emergency
access per FFPD Standard A-4.
8.3 Electric Supply
Electricity is required to operate the landscape irrigation systems and entrance gates. Project
electricity is provided by Southern California Edison (SCE). Critical features such as entrance
gates shall have a battery backup system that will allow both visitors and emergency responders to
open the gates in the event of a power failure or a shutdown.
Should power be shut down for more than a day, the irrigation of Zone 1A and Zone 1B may need
to be operated manually to maintain high moisture levels in the landscape plants.
9.0 OWNER RESPONSIBILIES & EDUCATION
The Conifer Court RV and Self Storage Facility owner shall be responsib le for:
1) Trash dumping or dispoal of yard trimmings in fuel modification zones is prohibited.
2) Any disputes related to lot landscaping or fuel treatment, with respect to interpretation of the
Fire Protection Plan, shall be decided by the City of Fontana Fire Protection District or its
designated representative and whose decision shall be final and binding on the lot owner.
3) The property owner shall provide a copy of the FPP to any future owner as part of the escrow
papers.
4) The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of all roads and fuel modification
accessways including but not limited to gates and supporting equipment.
Should a wildfire occur within the facility, the owner of the Project should make sure that:
1) Visitors are instructed to relocated outside of the storage facility until the danger has passed.
2) All doors and windows are closed to prevent embers from entering any structure.
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3) Doors should be left unlocked to allow emergency personnel unimpeded access.
4) Both inside and outside lights should be placed on to allow emergency personnel to know that
a structure is present when smoke or darkness may otherwise obscure visibility.
5) Combustible materials shall be moved a minimum of 30-feet from any structure or stored
indoors away from embers.
Electricity
The Project electricity is provided by SCE. To reduce the risk of a fire starting, SCE may elect to
implement what is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). This may occur when there are
high winds or a forecast for them and very high and/or extreme wildland fire danger. Any user can
sign up for a free PSPS alerts at https://www.scepsps.com/. SCE also provides forecast information
concerning potential PSPS shutdowns for the next seven days based on the weather forecast and fuel
conditions on their website at https://www.sce.com/wildfire/weather-awareness. During an extended
electric outage, the irrigation system may have to be operated manually to maintain high moisture
levels in all landscape plants in Fuel Modification Zones 1A and 1B.
Health and Safety
The owner should be aware that smoke is harmful to you, employees, and visitors health, especially if
a person has asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including bronchitis and emphysema.
People with pre-existing health conditions related to the heart or circulatory systems may want to
reclocate to a safe area before official notification to evacuate to avoid smoke impacts. It is
recommended that people leave the area affected by wildfire smoke early if indoor air cannot be kept
clean.
Evacuation
The owner and empolyees should always follow evacuation orders issued by law enforcement.
Ready, Set, Go is the evacuation strategy proposed for this Development as described on the Cal Fire
website (https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/ready-set-go/). Should a wildfire exist
that threatens the property or safety of people located in the Project, the following actions shall be
implemented:
1. Ready – Preparing for the Fire Threat: Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the
threat of a wildfire so the home is ready in case of a fire. Maintain a defensible space by clearing brush
away from all structures. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden structures with fire-safe
construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot. Make sure all
individuals within the area are ‘on the same page’ in commitment to advance preparation. Plan escape
routes.
2. Set – Situational Awareness When a Fire Starts: Pack vehicle(s) with emergency items. Stay aware
of the latest news from local media and the local fire department for updated information on the fire
and perform the following:
✓ Close all windows and doors that lead outside to prevent sparks from entering the house.
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✓ Close all doors within the house in case the house does catch on fire; this will slow down the
spread of the fire from room to room.
✓ Move all combustible materials in the home away from windows to prevent the possibility of
heat from a fire radiating through windows and glass doors and catching flammable materials
inside the home on fire. This includes drapes, curtains and furniture.
✓ Close windows and all Venetian blinds or noncombustible window coverings.
✓ Turn on the lights in each room, porch, and yard. This aids in visibility when the smoke gets
thick and darkens the sky.
✓ Fill all sinks, bathtubs and buckets with water in case the power goes out.
✓ Shut off any gas valves within the house or outside.
✓ Open the damper on fireplaces to stabilize inside/outside pressure, but close fireplace screens
to keep sparks from igniting the house.
3. Go – Leave early! Following an Action Plan makes one prepared and firefighters are now able
to best maneuver the wildfire and ensuring everyone’s safety. Follow instructions given by the Fire
Department official on site.
10.0 FUEL MODIFICATION PLAN MAP EXHIBIT
Attached is the FUEL MODIFICATION PLAN MAP EXHIBIT, as either a file in pdf format or a
full size sheet. The Map Exhibit is a part of the approved FPP. Illustrated on the exhibit are the location
of all proposed fuel modification zone locations, fire access roads, and property lines.
The Landscape Plan including the species selection found in Appendix ‘F’ has been found to be
consistant with this Fire Protection Plan.
APPENDIX ‘A’
Prohibited (& Fire Prone) Plant Species List
For Fuel Modification Zones in High & Very High Fire Hazard Areas
Botanical Name Common Name Plant Form
1. Acacia species • Acacia Shrub/Tree
2. Adenostema fasciculatum Chamise Shrub
3. Adenostema sparsifolium Red Shank Shrub/Tree
4. Artemisia californica California Sagebrush Shrub
5. Anthemis cotula Mayweed Weed
6. Arundo donax Giant reed Grass/weed
7. Brassica nigra Black Mustard Weed
8. Brassica ropa Yellow Mustard Weed
9. Cedrus species Cedar Tree
10. Cirsim vulgare Wild Artichoke Weed
11. Conyza canadensis Horseweed Weed
12. Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass Tall Grass
13. Cupressus species Cypress Tree
14. Eriogonum fasciculatum Common Buckwheat Shrub
15. Eucalyptus species Eucalyptus Shrub/Tree
16. Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph plant Weed/shrub
17. Juniperus species Junipers Succulent
18. Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Weed
19. Nicotiana bigelevil Indian tobacco Shrub
20. Nicotiana glauca Tree tobacco Shrub
21. Pennisetum species Fountain Grass Ground cover
22. Pinus species • Pines Tree
23. Salvia species • Sage – Native Only Shrub
24. Sacsola Austails Russian
Thistle/Tumbleweed
Weed
25. Silybum marianum Milk thistle Weed
26. Urtica urens Burning nettle Weed
• Except:
Acacia redolens (Desert Carpet ground cover)
Pinus pinea (Italian Stone Pine)
Ornamental Salvia species
APPENDIX ‘B’
Literature References
For any reference below, the most current version of the document should be consulted.
1. Andrews, Patricia L., BehavePlus Fire Modeling System, Version 5.0: Variables, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2009.
2. BehavePlus 6.0.0 beta 3 (Computer software). US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station,
Fire, Fuel, and Smoke Science Program, 2023.
3. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 1280; California Public Resources Codes sections
4201 through 4204
4. California Government Code, sections 51175 through 51189
5. California Building Code, Chapter 7A. 2022 Edition.
6. California Fire Code portion of the California Building Standards Code, including appendices to
Chapters 1 & 4 and appendices B, F & H 2022 editions.
7. California Residential Code 2022 Edition.
8. City of Fontana Ordinance No. 1907 adopting the 2022 California Building Code. Adopted October
25, 2022.
9. Fontana Fire Protection District Fire Overlay Ordinance. Ordinance No. 1737 Adopted December 8,
2015.
10. Robert G. Fovell, Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University at Albany,
State University of New York ,and Yang Cao, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of
Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. The Santa Ana winds of Southern California; Winds, gusts, and the
2007 Witch Fire. 35 pp.
11. National Fire Protection Association - NFPA 13-R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, 2022 Edition.
12. National Fire Protection Association - NFPA 1140: Standard for Wildland Fire Protection. (Print, 117
pp, 2022 Edition).
13. National Fire Protection Association – NFPA 1710; Standard for the Organization and Deployment of
Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public
by Career Fire Departments. (Print, 32 pp, 2020 Edition).
14. The 2022 California Fire Code with Local Amendments
15. The California State and Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map. Fire and
Resource Assessment Program of CAL FIRE
16. Fontana Fire Protection District Standards A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, F-2, W-1 and W-2.
17. San Bernardino County Fire Safety Overlay District FS-3 Requirements
18. San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Code, Ordinance No. FPD 20-1 2020
19. Scott, Joe H.; Burgan, Robert E., Standard fire behavior fuel models: a comprehensive set for use
with Rothermel’s surface fire spread model, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky
Mountain Research Station, 2005.
Appendix C
Non-Combustible & Fire-Resistant Building Materials
For Balconies, Carports, Decks, Patio Covers and Floors
Note: The Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) Fire Engineering Division administers licensing
programs and performs engineering functions affecting consumer services and product evaluation,
approval and listing. The following link is to the State Fire Marshal’s office for more information on the
Building Material List for non-combustible and fire resistant building materials:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/fire-engineering-and-investigations/building-materials-listing/bml-
search-building-materials-listing.
Examples of non-combustible & fire-resistant building materials for balconies, carports, decks, patio
covers, and floors are listed below. These are only examples, and materials listed here must meet local
fire and building codes and are not an endorsement of any brand or manufacturer.
I. NON-COMBUSTIBLE HEAVY GAGE ALUMINUM MATERIALS - Metals USA
Building Products Group - Ultra-Lattice
Ultra-Lattice Stand Alone Patio Cover Ultra-Lattice Attached Patio Cover
Ultra-Lattice Solid Patio Cover Ultra-Lattice Vs. Wood
FIREWISE 2000, LLC PO Box 339, Lower Lake, CA 95457∙ (760) 745-3947 C - 2
II. FRX EXTERIOR FIRE-RETARDANT TREATED WOOD
FRX® fire retardant treated wood may be used in exterior applications permitted by the codes where: public
safety is critical, other materials would transfer heat or allow fires to spread, sprinkler systems cannot
easily be installed, corrosive atmospheres necessitate excessive maintenance of other materials, or fire
protection is inadequate or not readily available. The International Building, Residential and Urban-
Wildland Interface Codes and regulations, permit the use of fire-retardant treated wood in specific
instances. See below for typical exterior uses and typical residential uses.
Typical Exterior Uses
• Wall coverings
• Balconies
• Decks
• Stairways
• Fences
• Sheds
• Gazebos
• Roof coverings
• Open-air roof systems
• Canopies and awnings
• Storefronts and facades
• Eaves, soffits and fascia
• Agricultural buildings and horse stalls
• Scaffolding and scaffold planks
• Construction staging
• Various other residential and commercial uses
Property owners and
Architects: See this 2-
minute video and the
illustration below.
FIREWISE 2000, LLC PO Box 339, Lower Lake, CA 95457∙ (760) 745-3947 C - 3
Typical Residential Uses
For information on fire retardant treated wood for exterior uses, visit www.frxwood.com.
III. DECKING MATERIALS
Trex Company, Inc. – “Trex Transcend®, Trex Select® and Trex Enhance® wood and
polyethylene composite deck board, nominal ranging in size from 1” x 5-1/2” to 1-3/8” x 5-1/2”
installed per manufacturer maximum edge-to-edge gap of 3/16”. All Trex decking products meet
or exceed the SFM 12-7A-4A testing protocol.
Trex combines both beauty and fire defense. A few examples of installations are shown below:
FIREWISE 2000, LLC PO Box 339, Lower Lake, CA 95457∙ (760) 745-3947 C - 4
IV.
SOLID “WOOD” DECKING
Company Name: Various Manufacturers
Product Description: Solid “Wood” decking, when installed over minimum 2” x 6” solid “Douglas
Fire” or better joists, space 24” or less on center, and decking and joints comply with American
Softwood Lumber Standard PS2o as follows:
Minimum nominal 5/4”thick and nominal 6” wide decking boards with a maximum 3/8” radius
edges made of solid wood species “Redwood”, “Western Red Cedar”, “Incense Cedar”, “Port
Orford Cedar”, or “Alaska Yellow Cedar” having a Class B Flame Spread rating when tested in
accordance with ASTM E84. Lumber grades; construction common, commercial or better grade
for Redwood; 3 common, commercial or better grades for Cedars.
V. Vents
Examples of Ember Resistant Approved Vents
Brandguard
O’Hagin Fire & Ice® Line – Flame and Ember Resistant
An available option for all O’Hagin attic ventilation products, this attic vent not only features all
the same design, construction elements and color choices as the O’Hagin Standard Line, but also
features an interior stainless-steel matrix that resists the intrusion of flames and embers. This
patent-pending attic vent is accepted for use by many local fire officials for installation in
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones.
FIREWISE 2000, LLC PO Box 339, Lower Lake, CA 95457∙ (760) 745-3947 C - 6
Vulcan Vents
The founders of Gunter Manufacturing have been working closely over the last two years, with
the scientists and inventors of Vulcan Technologies to bring to market this incredible product.
Combining our quality vent products with the fire -stopping honeycomb matrix core designed by
Vulcan has produced unique and remarkable results.
At Gunter manufacturing has over 50 years of combined sheet metal manufacturing experience.
Special orders are not a problem. Their vent frames are industry standard frames so there is little
or no learning curve for installers and contractors. Their stated goal is to provide people with the
vents they need to secure their homes with additional safety against wildfires and give them piece
of mind from knowing that their home or structure is protected by a product that works!
The core of their fire and ember safe vents are manufactured out of hi -grade aluminum
honeycomb and coated with an intumescent coating made by FireFree Coatings. The
intumescent coating is designed to quickly swell up and close off when exposed to high heat. The
expanded material acts as an insulator to heat, fire, and embers
FIREWISE 2000, LLC PO Box 339, Lower Lake, CA 95457∙ (760) 745-3947 C - 7
Before After
After the cells close off, they are extremely well insulated, and fire or embers cannot penetrate.
Even before the cells close off, the vent is designed to protect against flying embers. In many
cases embers will attack a structure before fire ever comes near, so this feature is very important.
Close-up of the coated honeycomb matrix.
Fire easily passes through a standard vent, on the left, but stops cold when it comes up against a Vulcan
Vent shown on right.
Appendix ‘D’
Ignition Resistant Construction Requirements
The following is a summary of the current requirements for ignition resistant construction for high fire
hazard areas under Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (CBC) 2019 edition. However the
requirements listed below are not all inclusive and all exterior building construction including roofs,
eaves, exterior walls, doors, windows, decks, and other attachments must meet the current CBC Chapter
7A ignition resistance requirements, the California Fire Code, and any additional County and/or City
codes in effect at the time of building permit application. See the currrent applicable codes for a detailed
description of these requirements and any exceptions.
1. All structures will be built with a Class A Roof Assembly and shall comply with the requirements
of Chapter 7A and Chapter 15 of the California Fire Code. Roofs shall have a roofing assembly
installed in accordance with its listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
2. Roof valley flashings shall be not less than 0.019-inch (0.48 mm) No. 26 gage galvanized sheet
corrosion-resistant metal installed over not less than one layer of minimum 72-pound (32.4 kg)
mineral-surfaced nonperforated cap sheet complying with ASTM D3909, at least 36-inch-wide
(914 mm) running the full length of the valley.
3. Attic or foundation ventilation louvers or ventilation openings in vertical walls shall be covered
with a minimum of 1/16-inch and shall not exceed 1/8-inch mesh corrosion-resistant metal
screening or other approved material that offers equivalent protection.
4. Where the roof profile allows a space between the roof covering and roof decking,
the spaces shall be constructed to resist the intrusion of flames and embers, be fire stopped with
approved materials or have one layer of a minimum 72 pound (32.4 kg) mineral-surfaced
nonperforated cap sheet complying with ASTM D3909 installed over the combustible decking.
5. Enclosed roof eaves and roof eave soffits with a horizontal underside, sloping rafter tails with an
exterior covering applied to the under-side of the rafter tails, shall be protected by one of the
following:
• noncombustible material
• Ignition-resistant material
• One layer of 5/8-inch Type X gypsum sheathing applied behind an exterior covering on
the underside of the rafter tails or soffit
• The exterior portion of a 1-hour fire resistive exterior wall assembly applied to the
underside of the rafter tails or soffit including assemblies using the gypsum panel and
sheathing products listed in the Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design Manual
• Boxed-in roof eave soffit assemblies with a horizontal underside that meet the
performance criteria in Section 707A.10 when tested in accordance with the test
procedures set forth in ASTM E2957.
• Boxed-in roof eave soffit assemblies with a horizontal underside that meet the
performance criteria in accordance with the test procedures set forth in SFM Standard
12-7A-3.
App ‘E’ Page 2
Exceptions: The following materials do not require protection:
1. Gable end overhangs and roof assembly projections beyond an exterior wall other
than at the lower end of the rafter tails.
2. Fascia and other architectural trim boards.
6. The exposed roof deck on the underside of unenclosed roof eaves shall consist of one of the
following:
• Noncombustible material, or
• Ignition-resistant material, or
• One layer of 5/8-inch Type X gypsum sheathing applied behind an exterior covering on
the underside exterior of the roof deck, or
• The exterior portion of a 1-hour fire resistive exterior wall assembly applied to the
underside of the roof deck designed for exterior fire exposure including assemblies
using the gypsum panel and sheathing products listed in the Gypsum Association fire
Resistance Design Manual.
Exceptions: The following materials do not require protection:
1. Solid wood rafter tails on the exposed underside of open roof eaves having a
minimum nominal dimension of 2 inch (50.8 mm).
2. Solid wood blocking installed between rafter tails on the exposed underside of open
roof eaves having a minimum nominal dimension of 2 inch (50.8 mm).
3. Gable end overhangs and roof assembly projections beyond an exterior wall other
than at the lower end of the rafter tails.
4. Fascia and other architectural trim boards.
7. Vents - ventilation openings for enclosed attics, enclosed eave soffit spaces, enclosed
rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters, and
underfloor ventilation openings shall be fully covered with metal wire mesh, vents, other
materials or other devices that meet one of the following requirements:
A. Vents listed to ASTM E2886 and complying with all the following:
i. There shall be no flaming ignition of the cotton material during the Ember
Intrusion Test.
ii. There shall be no flaming ignition during the Integrity Test portion of the Flame
Intrusion Test.
iii. The maximum temperature of the unexposed side of the vent shall not exceed
662°F (350°C).
B. Vents shall comply with all the following:
i. The dimensions of the openings therein shall be a minimum of 1/16-inch (1.6 mm)
and shall not exceed 1/8-inch (3.2 mm).
ii. The materials used shall be noncombustible.
Exception: Vents located under the roof covering, along the ridge of roofs, with
the exposed surface of the vent covered by noncombustible wire mesh, may be of
combustible materials.
iii. The materials used shall be corrosion resistant.
8. Vents shall not be installed on the underside of eaves and cornices.
App ‘E’ Page 3
Exceptions:
1. Vents listed to ASTM E2886 and complying with all the following:
• There shall be no flaming ignition of the cotton material during the Ember Intrusion
Test.
• There shall be no flaming ignition during the Integrity Test portion of the Flame
Intrusion Test.
• The maximum temperature of the unexposed side of the vent shall not exceed 662°F
(350°C).
2. The enforcing agency shall be permitted to accept or approve special eave and cornice vents
that resist the intrusion of flame and burning embers.
3. Vents complying with the requirements of Section 706A.2 shall be permitted to be installed
on the underside of eaves and cornices in accordance with either one of the following
conditions:
3.1. The attic space being ventilated is fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or,
3.2. The exterior wall covering, and exposed underside of the eave are of noncombustible
materials, or ignition-resistant materials, as determined in accordance with SFM Standard
12-7A-5 Ignition-Resistant Material and the requirements
9. All chimney, flue or stovepipe openings that will burn solid wood will have an approved spark
arrester. An approved spark arrester is defined as a device constructed of nonflammable
materials, having a heat and corrosion resistance equivalent to 12-gauge wire, 19-game
galvanized steel or 24-gage stainless steel. or other material found satisfactory by the Fire
Protection District, having ½-inch perforations for arresting burning carbon or sparks nor block
spheres having a diameter less than 3/8 inch (9.55 mm). It shall be installed to be visible for the
purposes of inspection and maintenance and removeable to allow for cleaning of the chimney
flue.
10. All multi-family structures will have automatic interior fire sprinklers installed according to the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13R 2019 edition - Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies.
11. The exterior wall covering or wall assembly shall comply with one of the following requirements:
• Noncombustible material, or
• Ignition resistant material, or
• Heavy timber exterior wall assembly, or
• Log wall construction assembly, or
• Wall assemblies that have been tested in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute
direct flame contact expose test set forth in ASTM E2707 with the conditions of acceptance
shown in Section 707A.3.1 of the California Building Code, or
• Wall assemblies that meet the performance criteria in accordance with the test procedures for
a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-1.
Exception: Any of the following shall be deemed to meet the assembly performance criteria
and intent of this section including;
• One layer of 5/8-inch Type X gypsum sheathing applied behind the exterior covering or
cladding on the exterior side of the framing, or
App ‘E’ Page 4
• The exterior portion of a 1-hour fire resistive exterior wall assembly designed for exterior
fire exposure including assemblies using the gypsum panel and sheathing products listed
in the Gypsum Associate Fire Resistance Design Manual.
12. Exterior walls shall extend from the top of the foundation to the roof and terminate at 2 -inch
nominal solid blocking between rafters at all roof overhangs, or in the case of enclosed eaves,
terminate at the enclosure.
13. Gutters shall be provided with gutter guards or the means to prevent the accumulation of leaf
litter and debris within the gutters that contribute to roof edge ignition.
14. No attic ventilation openings or ventilation louvers shall be permitted in soffits, in eave overhangs,
between rafters at eaves, or in other overhanging areas.
15. All projections (exterior balconies, decks, patio covers, unenclosed roofs and floors, and similar
architectural appendages and projections) or structures less than five feet from a building shall be
of non-combustible material, one-hour fire resistive construction on the underside, heavy timber
construction or pressure-treated exterior fire-retardant wood. When such appendages and
projections are attached to exterior fire-resistive walls, they shall be constructed to maintain same
fire-resistant standards as the exterior walls of the structure.
16. Deck Surfaces shall be constructed with one of the following materials:
• Material that complies with the performance requirements of Section 709A.4 when tested in
accordance with both ASTM E2632 and ASTM E2726, or
• Ignition-resistant material that complies with the performance requirements
of 704A.3 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, or
• Material that complies with the performance requirements of both SFM Standard 12-7A-4
and SFM Standard 12-7A-5, or
• Exterior fire retardant treated wood, or
• Noncombustible material, or
• Any material that complies with the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-4A
when the attached exterior wall covering is also composed of noncombustible or ignition-
resistant material.
17. Accessory structures attached to buildings with habitable spaces and projections shall be in
accordance with the Building Code. When the attached structure is located and constructed so that
the structure or any portion thereof projects over a descending slope surface greater than 10
percent, the area below the structure shall have all underfloor areas and exterior wall construction
in accordance with Chapter 7A of the Building Code.
18. Exterior windows, skylights and exterior glazed door assemblies shall comply with one of the
following requirements:
• Be constructed of multiplane glazing with a minimum of one tempered pane meeting the
requirements of Section 2406 Safety Glazing, or
• Be constructed of glass block units, or
• Have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA
257, or
App ‘E’ Page 5
• Be tested to meet the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-2.
19. All eaves, fascia and soffits will be enclosed (boxed) with non-combustible materials. This shall
apply to the entire perimeter of each structure. Eaves of heavy timber construction are not
required to be enclosed as long as attic venting is not installed in the eaves. For the purposes of
this section, heavy timber construction shall consist of a minimum of 4x6 rafter ties and 2x
decking.
20. Detached accessory buildings that are less than 120 square feet in floor area and are located more
than 30 feet but less than 50 feet from an applicable building shall be constructed
of noncombustible materials or of ignition-resistant materials as described in Section 704A.2 of
the California Building Code.
Exception: Accessory structures less than 120 square feet in floor area located at least 30 feet
from a building containing a habitable space.
21. All rain gutters, down spouts and gutter hardware shall be constructed from metal or other
noncombustible material to prevent wildfire ignition along eave assemblies.
22. All side yard fence and gate assemblies (fences, gate and gate posts) when attached to the home
shall be of non-combustable material. The first five feet of fences and other items attached to a
structure shall be of non-combustible material.
23. Exterior garage doors shall resist the intrusion of embers from entering by preventing gaps
between doors and door openings, at the bottom, sides and tops of doors, from exceeding 1/8
inch. Gaps between doors and door openings shall be controlled by one of the methods listed in
this section.
• Weather-stripping products made of materials that:
(a) have been tested for tensile strength in accordance with ASTM D638 (Standard Test
Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics) after exposure to ASTM G155 (Standard Practice
for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials) for a
period of 2,000 hours, where the maximum allowable difference in tensile strength values
between exposed and non-exposed samples does not exceed 10%; and (b) exhibit a V-2 or
better flammability rating when tested to UL 94, Standard for Tests for Flammability of
Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances.
• Door overlaps onto jambs and headers.
• Garage door jambs and headers covered with metal flashing.
24. Exterior doors shall comply with one of the following:
1. The exterior surface or cladding shall be of noncombustible material or,
2. The exterior surface or cladding shall be of ignition-resistant material or,
3. The exterior door shall be constructed of solid core wood that complies with the following
requirements:
3.1. Stiles and rails shall not be less than 1-3/8 inches thick.
3.2. Panels shall not be less than 1-1/4 inches thick, except for the exterior perimeter of the
panel that shall be permitted to taper to a tongue not less than 3/8 inch thick.
4. The exterior door assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes
when tested according to NFPA 252 or,
App ‘E’ Page 6
5. The exterior surface or cladding shall be tested to meet the performance requirements of
Section 707A.3.1 when tested in accordance with ASTM E2707 or,
6. The exterior surface or cladding shall be tested to meet the performance requirements of SFM
Standard 12-7A-1.
25. Fire access tunnels shall have two hour rated walls consisting of two layers of 5/8” Type ‘X’
gypsum wallboard panels on each side of the studs. The EZ Taping Systems “Fire Tape”
product or equivalent should be used as an alternative to convention joint tape when:
1. Two or more layers of listed Type ‘X’ gypsum wallboard are applied vertically with joints
staggered and joints of the face board are”:
a. Tightly butted and taped with EZ Taping Systems ”Fire Tape” or equivalent product or
b. Finished with joint compound of EZ Taping Systems “Fire Tape” or equivalent product
if the gap between gypsum wallboard panels are visible at the joint.
2. Two or more layers of USG “Sheetrock” Fire code C gypsum wallboard are applied
(horizontally or vertically).
3. Gypsum panels shall be attached with Type S drywall screws, placed 8” oc to vertical edges
and 12” oc to top and bottom runners and intermediate studs.
4. Fire Tape shall be nominal 2” wide and applied on the vertical joints at studs.
** FAHJ – Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction
SFM – State Fire Marshal
NFPA – National Fire Protection Association
App ‘E’ Page 7
APPENDIX ‘E’
SITE PLAN
N
App ‘E’ Page 8
APPENDIX ‘F’
LANDSCAPE PLAN