FireSmart landscaping.
Past fire seasons have shown the impact that megafires have on surrounding communities and the landscape. There are things you can do on your property to increase resilience to wildfire. Being FireSmart is about living with wildfires and managing for it on our landscapes. FireSmart methods have proven to reduce the risk of losses, even under the most extreme fire conditions.
What is FireSmart landscaping?
FireSmart focuses on what is realistic for you to achieve in order to limit the risk of wildfire to your home. Changes within 10 metres of your home will have the biggest impact. Make sure that you maintain a 1.5-metre, non-combustible zone around your entire home and any attachments. Fire embers may seem small, but they should not be underestimated — 50 per cent of home fires caused by wildfires are started by embers.
Wildfire follows a path from a forest or grassland to your home. A FireSmart yard means taking small steps to:
- Slow the spread of fire by spacing out your trees
- Increase your home’s ability to withstand wildfire by breaking continuity of your plants
- Keep a well maintained lawn; green grass shorter than 10 centimetres is less likely to burn intensely
- Make smart choices for trees, plants, shrubs, and grass
Integrating FireSmart principles and practices into your long-term landscaping plan and daily yard work routine reduces your wildfire risk.
Click HERE to see the FireSmartBC Landscaping Guide