Everything you need to know about fuel management, defensible space, California compliance, and the All Risk Shield group.
General
UrbnTek is a professional fuel management and defensible space company operating across all of California. We specialize in Zone 0 and Zone 1 vegetation removal and fuel reduction. UrbnTek is a member of the All Risk Shield Inc. group of companies.
We physically remove the vegetation that wildfires need to survive and spread — dead brush, dry grass, overgrown shrubs, ladder fuels, and combustible organic debris. We work methodically through Zone 0 (0–5 ft from your structure) and Zone 1 (5–30 ft), leaving your property compliant with CAL FIRE standards and dramatically more defensible.
Zone 0 is the immediate zone — 0 to 5 feet directly surrounding your structure. This is where most homes ignite and is the single highest-priority area. Zone 1 extends from 5 to 30 feet from your structure (or to the property line). California law requires both zones to be maintained in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. UrbnTek specializes in both.
We serve all 58 California counties — from San Diego and Los Angeles in the south to Shasta, Humboldt, and Siskiyou in the north. Visit our Coverage page for a full regional breakdown, or call us at (866) 991-7190 ext 702.
Yes. You can reach us at any time at (866) 991-7190 ext 702 or by email at support@urbntek.com. We understand that wildfire risk doesn't follow business hours.
Yes. Our crew members are certified wildfire mitigation specialists trained in CAL FIRE Zone 0 and Zone 1 standards. As part of the All Risk Shield group, we operate alongside NFPA-certified specialists and active and retired fire professionals.
Services & Pricing
A certified UrbnTek specialist visits your property and walks every inch of Zones 0 and 1. We photograph high-risk areas, measure and document fuel loads, check compliance with CAL FIRE standards, and deliver a written report with prioritized recommendations. There is no cost and no obligation to proceed with any services.
A typical single-family residential property takes 1–2 days. Larger parcels, HOA common areas, or properties with significant overgrowth may take longer. We provide a detailed scope and estimated timeline as part of your free assessment before any work begins.
Yes — always. All removed vegetation, brush, and organic debris is hauled away and properly disposed of. We never leave piles on site, which would simply create a new fuel source near your structure.
Vegetation removal is focused on clearing specific combustible plant material — dead brush, dry grass, and overgrown weeds. A full defensible space service is comprehensive: it includes vegetation removal plus tree and shrub management, ladder fuel reduction, limbing, spacing, and a documented compliance report. Most properties benefit from the full service.
Absolutely. We have extensive experience working directly with HOA boards and community managers. We design and execute community-scale programs covering common areas, perimeter vegetation, and individual lots. We provide full documentation for HOA records and can present directly to boards. Many community projects also qualify for CAL FIRE and FEMA grants — we can help navigate that process.
We offer quarterly (4x/year), bi-annual (2x/year), and annual maintenance programs. Clients on maintenance plans receive priority scheduling, discounted rates, and updated documentation after each visit for their insurance files. The right plan depends on your property's vegetation type, zone designation, and how fast growth returns — we'll recommend the right frequency during your assessment.
Pricing depends on the size of your property, the condition and density of vegetation, terrain, and which services are needed. The best way to get an accurate number is through a free assessment — we'll walk the property and give you a clear, written quote with no surprises. Call (866) 991-7190 or use our contact form to get started.
Compliance & Insurance
California Public Resources Code 4291 requires property owners in State Responsibility Areas to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Zone 0 (0–5 ft) must be completely free of combustible material. Zone 1 (5–30 ft) must follow a Lean, Clean and Green standard — reducing plant density, spacing, and fuel loads. Zone 2 (30–100 ft) requires additional fuel reduction. Local jurisdictions in High Fire Hazard Severity Zones may have additional requirements.
You'll receive a notice of violation and be required to bring the property into compliance within a set timeframe — typically 30 days. Failure to comply can result in fines and in some cases the fire agency can perform the work and bill the property owner. UrbnTek can respond quickly to help you achieve compliance before a re-inspection deadline.
Yes — this is one of the most important reasons California homeowners are calling us. Many major insurers have stopped writing new policies in high-risk areas, and some are non-renewing existing policies unless the property owner can demonstrate documented fuel management. UrbnTek provides written documentation after every service visit that is formatted for insurance carriers and underwriters.
Yes. Every job includes written documentation of the work performed, areas addressed, and compliance status. For clients who need full insurance-ready reports, formal risk assessments, or compliance letters, the ARS group's Grant Writing Services team can prepare these documents in the exact format your insurer requires.
Yes — multiple programs exist for California homeowners, communities, and municipalities. CAL FIRE administers several grant programs specifically for home hardening and defensible space. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and BRIC program fund community-level mitigation. Local fire safe councils also offer funding. The ARS group's Grant Writing Services team specializes in identifying and applying for these programs.
CAL FIRE designates fire hazard severity zones across California — Moderate, High, and Very High. Properties in a VHFHSZ face the strictest legal requirements for defensible space, the highest inspection rates, and the most significant insurance challenges. UrbnTek crews have specific experience with VHFHSZ properties and know exactly what CAL FIRE inspectors look for.
The All Risk Shield Group
The All Risk Shield (ARS) group is a family of specialized wildfire protection companies operating across California. Member companies include All Risk Shield Inc. (the parent company), UrbnTek, All Risk Shield Home Services, and Cascade Systems. Each company focuses on a specific layer of wildfire protection — together they provide the most comprehensive wildfire defense program available in California.
All Risk Shield Inc. has been California's leading wildfire protection company since 2013. They deliver detailed risk assessments, home hardening, long-term fire retardant applications, and active emergency response during wildfire events — including the DEFENDER™ Fire Pump System for homes with pools or large water sources. Visit allriskshield.com to learn more.
ARS Home Services focuses on residential home hardening — installing ember-resistant vents, gutter guards, applying long-term fire retardant, and providing ongoing homeowner support. While UrbnTek handles the vegetation and fuel, ARS Home Services hardens the structure itself against ember intrusion and direct flame contact.
The Wildfire Ecosystem™ is the hub connecting all ARS group companies and services. It's the single destination to understand the full scope of wildfire protection available in California. Visit wildfireecosystem.com.
UrbnTek focuses exclusively on fuel management and vegetation removal — the physical work of creating and maintaining defensible space. All Risk Shield Inc. focuses on risk assessment, home hardening, fire retardant application, and active emergency response during fire events. The two companies work in coordination to provide complete, layered property protection. Most high-risk properties benefit from both.
Yes. The ARS group offers Grant Writing Services to assist with CAL FIRE grant applications, FEMA hazard mitigation grants, fire safe council funding, insurance reports, HOA compliance notices, and community education materials. Contact us and we can connect you with the right team member.
Before, During & After a Wildfire
Now — regardless of the time of year. California's fire season has extended to year-round in most regions. The best time to establish defensible space is well before fire season peaks (June–October in most areas). Vegetation also needs time after clearance to show inspectors the work is thorough. Don't wait for a red flag warning to call.
The most important protection happens before the fire. During an active event, All Risk Shield Inc.'s FireDefense Division can deploy emergency response teams to actively defend properties on their service roster. This includes long-term fire retardant application and on-site monitoring. Contact All Risk Shield Inc. to learn about their emergency response programs.
Yes — a neighbor's overgrown property is a direct threat to yours, because fire will travel through the vegetation on their land to reach yours. This is why community-scale fuel management matters. Talk to your neighbors, HOA, or local fire safe council about coordinated programs. UrbnTek can help design and pitch a neighborhood program that covers multiple properties at reduced cost.
No guarantee exists in wildfire. However, defensible space dramatically changes the odds — it slows or stops fire spread to your structure, reduces ember accumulation that causes most home ignitions, and gives fire crews a safer platform to defend your home if they're present. Homes with well-maintained Zone 0 and Zone 1 have significantly higher survival rates in wildfire events.