Northwest Defensible Space LLC.
Northwest Defensible Space LLC
Our Mission
At Northwest Defensible Space LLC, our mission is clear: to create healthy, defensible space that protects lives, homes, and properties. With our professional wildland firefighting experience, we deliver high-quality services that prioritize safety and prevention. We have witnessed the devastating effects of wildfires first-hand, and understand the urgency of proactive measures. Our commitment is to safeguard communities and prevent destruction before it starts.
Before and After
A Message from the Owners
We’re Krys and Jenna, the husband‑and‑wife team behind Northwest Defensible Space LLC. Our story started in 2021 on the fireline, where we met while fighting wildland fires in Idaho. Fire has been a major part of both our lives, shaping our careers, our family, and ultimately our business.
Krys began his firefighting journey in 2017 after transitioning from logging. Over the next five years he earned ICT5, Firefighter Type 1, FAL2, Squad Boss, and Saw Boss qualifications. During his time on fires, he saw a growing gap in services for private homeowners. With limited resources during active incidents, federal crews simply couldn’t dedicate enough time to fire mitigation on private properties and homeowners were left with less support.
My path started a little differently. I’m Jenna, and I joined my local volunteer fire department at 18. That experience launched my future in the fire service and sparked a lifelong passion for it. I went on to earn Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Pump Operations, and Hazmat Operations before moving into a career department. Eventually, the urge to travel and serve in the wildland world brought me from the deep South of Louisiana all the way to Idaho—where I met Krys.
After a few years exploring different firefighting opportunities and building a life together, we decided it was time to take the leap. In 2024, we launched Northwest Defensible Space LLC with a simple mission: provide homeowners with the fire mitigation services we knew were desperately needed.
Today, we’re proud to be a firefighter‑owned, family‑run business rooted in Garden Valley. We’ve been growing ever since. Helping Idaho families protect their homes, improve their defensible space, and better prepare for wildfire season.
Meet the Team!
Krystian Crane
Founder & CEO
Hey! I’m Krystian. I'm 33, Idaho born and raised, and currently building a small farm here with my family in Garden Valley, Idaho. I have many years of cutting experience, starting in forest management, thinning, and logging before moving into wild land firefighting. Over several seasons on the fireline, I served as a Squad Boss, Lead Sawyer, and Feller, gaining a deep understanding of fire behavior, fuels, and the importance of proactive mitigation. During the off‑seasons, I explored climbing and tree care, which eventually led me toward a different side of the industry.
Jenna Crane
Founder & CEO
Hi! I’m Jenna. I'm 26, and I was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana. At 21, I packed up my two‑door Jeep and drove solo to Idaho, where I’ve been adventuring and building a life ever since. My fire career began at 18 when I joined my local volunteer fire department. That experience sparked a passion that carried me into a career department, where I earned multiple certifications, and knowledge. Eventually, the pull for something new, and the curiosity of what wildland firefighting was really like, led me north. Over the past five years, I’ve continued growing my skills through wildland fire, landscaping, tree climbing, tree care, and forestry technician work. Today, I’m proud to serve as a Lieutenant and EMT on the local fire department. Now, I’m taking on my biggest challenge yet: building a business from the ground up with my husband. Northwest Defensible Space LLC is the next chapter in a journey shaped by service, adventure, and a deep love for the outdoors.
Brianna Freeman
Administrative Assistant
Hey, I'm Bri! I moved to Star, Idaho in 2007, and have since planted deep roots here! I have the pleasure of coparenting an incredible son with Krys and Jenna, and it's been an honor to be brought onto the NWDS team! Although I am new to the defensible space world, I've been learning quickly about the importance of this realm of work. I grew up watching the devastation that fires can bring, and I'm grateful to be able to contribute to a company dedicated to mitigating the risks of fires.
Justin Talbert
Forestry Technician
I’m Justin! I’ve lived in Garden Valley, Idaho for about 14 years. I'm proud to be apart of this team of people who care about preserving our beautiful community! It's been an exciting experience to gain more knowledge of fire mitigation through risk assessment, and the application of [Krys and Jenna's] vast defensible space knowledge.
Licenses/Certifications and Regulations
ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards (2023)
ANSI Z133-2026: Safety and Health Requirements for Arboricultural Operations
OSHA’s General Industry standards (29 CFR § 1910)
General Liability and Workers' Compensation
Idaho Secretary of State
Licensed and Registered Idaho Contractor