DON'T JUST LANDSCAPE, FIRESCAPE!!

Did you know that some plants actually attract fire? As I was reading through an article on landscaping and fire hazard, one particular thing struck me. Some of the plants that I had considered to be non-flammable were actually on the highly flammable list. Some plants such as untrimmed Baccharis, Algerian Ivy and Juniper are pyrophytes (plants that burn easily either because of a high oil content or a lot of woody undergrowth.) The excellent publication from which I summarized the following artide is called Firescape, Landscaping to Reduce Fire Hazard, Municipal Utility District.

Reduce chances for a "fire ladder"
After choosing roofing material, landscaping is the second most important factor in fire safety.
Many fires start by sparks landing on dry grass or litter and then spreading from there into
shrubs and trees and up to the house, this is called a fire ladder.

The first thirty feet around a house, designated zone one, is the most critical. To reduce the chances of having a fire ladder in this zone, start by breaking up the available fuel for the fire---this is done by clearing the area totally of flammable plants. Then wherever possible use fire-resistant, low-growing ground covers to reduce fire danger and discourage weeds. Using plants with a high moisture content or plants with succulent or leathery leaves keeps this area, zone one, fire retardant. if planting new trees near the house, space them 15 feet or more feet away from any buildings. Check to make sure that limbs and foliage are at least 10 feet away from the chimney or that they do not hang over any building.

Zone two is the middle area, the 30-70 feet further away from the house. Low plants, such as ground covers, should be used here to prevent the spread of ground fires. Zone three is the fringe areas near wild lands or open space. Trimming and thinning here, immediately adjacent to your yard, can prevent the spreading of fire from these wild areas. Maintain zone three regularly to prevent the buildup of dry brush and litter.

Reduce flammability
In more general terms, trimming plants is important not only to minimize the woody portions that develop on aged plants but also to prevent flames jumping from plant to plant or from plant to house. For example, shrubs such as Baccharis Pilularis or Dwarf Coyote Brush, which are usually considered fire retardant, can become a fire hazard when a tangle of dry branches and leaves is allowed to develop. if these plants are trimmed very low and the dry material removed (recommended once a year to renew green top growth), the plant is again fire retardant.
Trees that are over 15 feet tall should have their branches removed from the bottom six-to-ten feet. The tree trunk by itself is slow to catch fire, but needles and dry leaves are perfect fire starters.

Use non-flammable materials where possible
Another general measure that the concerned homeowner can take is to use non-flammable materials wherever possible. For example, at the base of trees and shrubs, replace flammable vegetation with bark-mulch, rock, gravel, or fire-resistant ground covers. For fencing, patios, decks and other structures use fire resistant hardscape materials. As recommended for zone one, and stressed again here, use fire-resistant, low-growing ground covers to reduce fire danger and discourage weeds.

Create a "fire break" around your home
The homeowner can also create a fuel break around the home by not planting hedges or row of trees. Also, keeping plants and shrubs in distinct groups not only prevents the spreading of fires, but also creates an area for fire resistant ground covers or mulch. When grouping, keep in mind not to plant medium-sized shrubs beneath trees or taller shrubs. Grouping plants in this manner provides ample room for firefighters to work-in case the worst happens.

I hope these simple but effective and important tips will help protect your home, and most importantly, your family from the dangers of residential fires.

Plants with Some Fire Resistance

Strawberry Tree
Ceanothus
Coast Live Oak
Saltbrush
Western Red Bud
Cotoneaster
Escallonia
Toyon
Oleander
Pyracantha
Rockrose
Raphiolepis
Pittosporum
Succulents

Highly Flammable Plants

Scotch Broom
Algerian Ivy
Bamboo
Pampas Grass
Grasses
Sugar Gum Eucalyptus
Juniper
Pine
Coyote Bush
Blue Gum Eucalyptus