According to the guidelines, as forecasted fire intensity increases, what happens to the required defensible space?

As forecasted fire intensity increases, the required defensible space increases as well. This principle is rooted in the understanding that higher fire intensity leads to more aggressive fire behavior, which necessitates greater protection measures for structures in fire-prone areas.

Defensible space is the area around a building that is designed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire, providing a buffer zone that can help prevent the fire from reaching the structure. When fire intensity is forecasted to rise, more vegetation management, spacing between combustible materials, and other risk mitigation strategies become essential. This increased defensible space aims to help safeguard homes and enhance the ability of firefighters to defend these properties in the event of a wildfire.

In essence, as fire conditions worsen and the likelihood of fire spreading increases, the necessities for defensible space rise correspondingly to better protect lives and property.