FireSmart Guide to Landscaping, Second Edition

Protect Your Home From Wildfire

Wildland fires are a natural part of most wildland ecosystems in Canada. An increasing number of homes are built in or on the boundary of these wildland areas this is known as the wildland/urban interface. Homeowners building and living in the wildland/urban interface must take special precautions to protect their lives and property.

In addition to the actual building design and construction material used to construct your home, the type of plant material and the design of the landscape immediately adjacent to your home is a critical factor in determining the likelihood of your home surviving a wildfire. It is important to select fire resistant plant material and design your landscape to reduce the risk while maintaining a functional and watersmart landscape appropriate to your growing zone.