Discouraging Fire

Clear the area that's within 10 feet of your home of all flammable materials, including vegetation, firewood and gas tanks. Many homes have vents under the roof's eaves, and any fuel sources within the home zone could send burning embers floating into the house.

Keep up with garden maintenance such as raking yard debris, including pine needles, dry leaves and twigs.

Because fire moves from vegetation to vegetation, it's critical to create distance between plants. You also want to incorporate vegetation that won't carry fire readily. The movement of fire from one plant to the next is what Blonski refers to as the "fuel mosaic." If plants are spaced far apart, the fire is less able to spread (figure B), but if plants are located closely together, then the fire can spread and gain strength (figure C).

Intersperse the taller plants with medium and short plantings. Position low-growing vegetation closer to the house to avoid creating a "fire-ladder" effect. Many homeowners unknowingly create a potential fire ladder by arranging plants from shortest to tallest for maximum curb appeal (figure E).