What is the first requirement in developing a defensible space plan?

Creating an inventory of existing site features is crucial in developing a defensible space plan because it provides a foundational understanding of the environment in which fire risk management will occur. This inventory allows specialists to identify key elements such as the types and arrangements of vegetation, structures, and other landscaping features that may influence fire behavior and the potential ignition of nearby buildings.

By cataloging existing site features, including the distances between vegetation and structures, types of plants, and the presence of hardscaping materials, a mitigation specialist can make informed decisions on how to modify the landscape for maximum fire risk reduction. This also helps in understanding how these features interact with the local topography and climate, which are significant factors influencing fire behavior.

In contrast, while assessing fire risks, implementing fire-resistant materials, and establishing an evacuation plan are all important components of an overall wildfire mitigation strategy, they are subsequent steps that rely on the insight gained from the comprehensive inventory of site features. This initial assessment is a critical step that informs all further planning and action.