Last month I wrote an overview on the basics of Fire-resilient Landscaping practices and I wanted to expand on this a little, this month. As I mentioned in the introduction, being a FireSmart™ LFR has given me access to a plethora of resources from FireSmart BC, among these is a 55 page colour reference guide to Fire-resilient Landscaping. I have placed several of these books in our local Book-Nook and will replenish the stock as needed. Please feel free to grab one for yourself and feel free to share copies with anyone else who may benefit from this information, after all Fire knows no neighbourhood boundaries, which is why I signed up as a FireSmart LFR for Delta.
What makes a plant Fire-resistant – Fire-resistant plants do not provide significant fuel or increase fire intensity
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Moist, supple leaves ignite and burn slower
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Little dead wood or accumulated dead material
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Open branching habits (less fuel for fire)
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Fewer total branches
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Have a slow growing habit (less pruning required)
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Water-like sap with little or no odour
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Low amount of sap or resin material
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Low growing habit
What makes a plant highly flammable – Highly flammable plants provide fuel and can increase fire intensity
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Contain fine, dry, dead material within the plant, such as twigs, needles and dead leaves
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loose papery bark
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Stems, branches or leaves contain volatile waxes, terpenes or oils
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Leaves are aromatic, strong odour when crushed
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Gummy, resinous sap with a strong odour
Reducing the risk posed by highly flammable plants - If you have flammable trees on your property, there are ways you can increase the fire-resilience of these plants
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Trees should have their branches trimmed leaving no branches for 2 metres from the ground
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Create a fire break by creating space between trees and other potentially flammable vegetation
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Remove flammable tree debris (Needles and leaves)
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Ensure tree branches to not touch the roof of your home or any other flammable structures
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Keep a buffer between your home and any highly flammable plants
For more information on fire-resilient landscaping, pick up your free copy of the FireSmart BC Guide in the local Book-Nook located in the 6200 block of Sunwood Drive.