vegetation – Surviving Wildfire

August 27, 2019August 27, 2019

Defensible Space

Defensible Space: Defensible space refers to the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat and which provides an opportunity for firefighters to effectively defend the house. In the event that firefighters are not available, defensible space improves the likelihood that your house can survive without assistance. Contact your local fire department for information and recommendations on home inspections and treatment plans.

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August 27, 2019August 27, 2019

Is irrigating the landscape always a good idea for defensible space?

It depends on the types of plants. Generally, irrigating helps plants stay green and moist and less likely to burn. In arid environments, irrigation is necessary to keep most plants alive. However, some plants become overgrown when watered and create too much fuel, becoming a maintenance headache. Some plants can be mowed or cut back at the beginning of the fire season and then irrigated very infrequently so they don’t grow during fire season. Some drought-tolerant plants stay low and …