According to fire hazard laws established in 2005, what is the required defensible space around a structure?

The requirement for defensible space around a structure, as established by fire hazard laws in 2005, is indeed 100 feet. Defensible space is critical in mitigating the risk of wildfires, as it is the buffer area between a building and the grass, trees, shrubs, or wildland area that surrounds it. The concept is to create a space that is less likely to ignite from the heat or embers of an approaching fire, thereby protecting not only the structure itself but also the site as a whole and adjacent properties.

Having a defensible space of 100 feet allows for more effective fire prevention strategies, such as the reduction of combustible materials and the maintenance of vegetation to prevent fire spread. This space is typically divided into zones with specific management practices, such as thoroughly clearing flammable items and maintaining moisture in the vegetation closest to the building. By adhering to the 100-foot standard, homeowners can significantly increase their property's resilience against wildfire threats.

The other options propose shorter distances, which may not provide adequate protection based on established fire safety practices and research that shows the importance of a minimum distance for effective defensible space.