Design Review Committee

Firewood Storage in Northstar

Did you know?

The threat of wildfires has never been greater in the Truckee/Tahoe basin. Insurance carriers are dropping policies and defensible space measures are a frequent topic of household conversation.

NPOA Guidelines and CC&Rs speak to the storage of firewood on your property. Northstar Fire Department has an ordinance (3519) which also speaks to the proper storage of firewood. Unless located or stored in an enclosed structure protected from all flying embers, all firewood, and woodpiles within 30 ft of any structure must be fully wrapped/covered with a National Fire Protection Association or NFD approved tarp (California State Fire Marshal Seal)

All firewood stored beyond 30 ft from any structure needs to have a 10 ft zone cleared down to mineral soil (no pine needles or brush); and not be located under a tree canopy.

It is the Northstar Fire Departments recommendation to cover any firewood pile/stack fully with a fire-resistant tarp. Polyethylene tarps (hardware store tarps) are not an acceptable alternative for any wood pile within 30 ft of a structure.

Let us be Fire Wise and keep our community Fire Safe!

Greg Aiken, NPOA Design Review & Compliance Manager