Reducing Wildfire Risk

With longer, hotter summers and significantly less precipitation, the wildfire risk has drastically increased over the last several years.

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of wildfire damage or loss to structures is to remove or trim highly flammable landscape material like coniferous trees, shrubs and hedges. Cedar, Juniper, Spruce, Pine and Fir.

There are 3 zones to consider;

• Zone 1: 0-1.5m from house (or structures). No flammable material recommended in this zone.
• Zone 2: 1.5-10m from house (or structures). Consider removing flammable trees and shrubs. Coniferous trees left in this zone should be trimmed up for 2m of clearance from ground to avoid ground fires getting up into the canopy.
• Zone 3: 10-30m from house (or structures). Remove all branch’s less than 2 m in height from ground. Tree spacing 3m or greater, remove small coniferous trees that may act as a “ladder” and allow fire to move up into the canopy. Remove ground fuel.

Want ideas for trees, hedges and shrubs that use less water and are less flammable? Visit okanaganxeriscape.org