Sept. 12, 2024

Fire-Smart Landscaping can Slow the Spread of Fire

Nationwide, fires are increasing in the wildland-urban interface, which is where human development and undeveloped wildlands meet. This includes brush, grass and forest fires. With the recent increase in these fires, it’s important to know how landscapes can be improved to slow the spread of fire.

Firewise USA identifies three zones that surround a home, known as the Home Ignition Zones. Zone 1 is 0 to 5 feet from the home and requires the most vigilance. It’s extremely important to eliminate all flammable material in zone 1. Steps to reduce risk of fire damage to structures include:

  • Eliminate wood mulch, shrubs or other plants in this zone.
  • While it would be advantageous to eliminate all wood fencing, at a minimum, replace 5 feet of the fence that adjoins the home with a nonflammable material such as metal.
  • Trim trees so that branches are always a minimum of 10 feet from the home or other combustible structures, such as a deck or patio.
Wildfire burns through forest
  • If possible, transition wooden decks to non-flammable materials.
  • Never store firewood in zone 1.
  • Maintain a 5-foot buffer for perennials or shrubs outside of this buffer as they mature.
  • Regularly clean leaves and pine needles from this zone.    

Zone 2 is the 5 to 20-foot radius around the home. It is crucial to make fire-wise landscape decisions in this space to help prevent wildfires from spreading into zone 1.

  • Maintain a 10-foot space between the crowns of trees.
  • Replace ladder fuels such as woody shrubs and wood mulches underneath trees with low groundcovers.
  • Prune tree branches at least 6 feet from the ground and remove dead trees and branches.
  • Organize planting beds in clusters or islands. This limits the risk of fire spreading from plant to plant due to proximity.
  • Remove junipers from zone 2 as they are highly flammable.
  • Lawns should be irrigated and mowed regularly.
  • If a neighbor’s property is closer than 30 feet, work with them to implement fire-wise principles.

Owners of properties large enough to have a zone 3 (30 to100 feet from a home) should remain vigilant for hazards related to ladder fuels. Create open meadows, do not let trees or shrubs form a dense forest. Try to maintain 6 to10 feet between tree crowns. It is not necessary to mow grass in zone 3.

Late last year, Northern Water released six fire-smart and water-wise landscape templates which can be found on the template webpage. For more information on protecting your home from wildfires visit the Wildfire Partners website and check out the “Home Ignition Zone guide”.  

For more information about garden beds, find the flammability rating of hundreds of plants on Idaho Firewise’s website. You can also find many fire-wise options from Plant Select.