Fire in the Garden…No Thanks.
By Andrea Peck
You've tested your smoke alarms and changed their batteries, but have you taken a good look at your garden?
Most of us don't consider the garden when it comes to fire, but a fire-safe landscape can save your keister on a hot summer day when sparks decide to fly. Handsome as they are, I'm not sure I'd like a home visit from the fire department anytime soon. A 12-month beefcake calendar would do just fine, thank you very much.
Your landscape factors heavily into the fire prevention equation. We spend hours selecting drought resistant natives and planting Monarch habitat. We purchase patio furniture and then arrange and rearrange it. But, fire safety? What's that all about?
According to CalFire, there are a number of points to consider when looking at fire safety in your garden.
The most important area is the 30' of space between your garden and home. This area will either ignite quickly or discourage fire by creating a “break.” Unfriend fire by creating a barrier (referred to as defensible space) using hardscape that is non-flammable. Concrete, rock, boulders, brick and pavers are all good choices. Flying embers are able to travel over a mile; those that land on concrete quickly burn out.
Utilize plants that have high moisture content. In firefighter terminology, this is called vegetation modification. Rockrose, iceplant and aloe are great plants that combine lower flammability and drought tolerance. Shrubs, such as hedging roses, bush honeysuckles, currant, cotoneaster, sumac, and shrub apples are good choices. Instead of conifers such as pine and fir, plant hardwood trees, poplar, maple and cherry. Near the home, it is best to keep plants low to the ground - the taller the plant, the greater the potential that your plant will act as a “fire ladder.”
Check out the following link for more plant options: http://www.bewaterwise.com/fire02.html
Garden areas that are broken up by hardscape are highly recommended by CalFire. Not surprisingly, keeping water sources and hoses ready and useable is considered part of fire-safe landscaping. Be sure to trim tree branches at least 10 feet from your chimney. Slow the spread of fire by separating plants so that their branches and leaves do not overlap.
Keep plants clean and free from dry and dead debris. Dead leaves and branches act as kindling. Clean underneath decks and weedy hiding places. Not only will you placate a hot fire, but you may discourage my favorite neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Rodent. Consider non-plant material that may combust in high heat. After you consider it, make sure it's not located near your structure or anyone else's either.
Maintenance is key when it comes to fire safety. Spring is here and it's time to clean - just don't sweep anything under the rug…