Firewise

Landscaping
FOR UTAH
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

AUTHORS: Michael Kuhns and Barbara Daniels

CONTRIBUTORS:

East Bay Municipal Utility District, Oakland, California: graphics

Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, Lone Peak Conservation Center: photos

Andrea Bell, Andrea Bell Graphic Design: graphic design and layout

Justin Black, USU Extension Forestry: production assistance

Darren McAvoy, USU Extension Forestry: photos and production assistance

REVIEWERS:

Yvonne Barkley - University of Idaho Forestry Extension

Frank C. Dennis - Colorado State Forest Service

Kathy Hammons - Community Solutions

Jeannette Hartog - USDA Forest Service Intermountain Region and USDI Bureau of

Land Management

Susan Lauman - Utah Divison of Forestry, Fire and State Lands

Darren McAvoy - Utah State University Forestry Extension

Teresa Prendusi - USDA Forest Service Intermountain Region

Alix Rogstad - University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Joanne Skelly - University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

The authors wish to thank USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry for

assistance in producing this publication. Special thanks also to the Utah Living

with Fire Committee for assistance and advice.

 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Firewise Landscaping
for Utah

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fire and People in the Wildland - Urban Interface ……………1

How Do Wildfires Behave? …………………………………… 2

Property Selection and Construction …………………………4

Firewise Landscapes and the Home Ignition Zone……………6

Firewise Landscape Design ……………………………………8

Landscape Maintenance……………………………………… 12

Firewise Plant Selection ……………………………………… 14

Grasses …………………………………………………16

Ground Covers…………………………………………18

Herbaceous Perennials ……………………………… 20

Shrubs and Woody Vines………………………………24

Trees ……………………………………………………28

Other Fire Safety Factors ………………………………………30

The Last Word ………………………………………………… 32

References………………………………………………………33

For More Information …………………………………………34

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

“Your own property is concerned when your neighbor’s house is on fire.”

Horace, Epistles

Wildland fires affect many communities in Utah and the Intermountain West each year. As this is being written the
2005 fire season is beginning strong in southern Utah and Arizona. This booklet is intended as a guide for homeowners
and others concerned with management of the wildland-urban interface. Following the advice in this booklet will
help you reduce the fire hazard around your home. There are no guarantees that a home will be fireproof, but if you
take action to be firewise, you can greatly increase the chances that your home will withstand a wildfire.
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

FIRE AND PEOPLE IN THE

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE

As Utah’s population grows, development the information presented in this booklet,

merges the edges of cities and towns into you can create a landscape on your prop-
wildlands. New developments also spring erty that will be as firewise as possible. Land-
up within wildlands, including everything scapes can never be fire-proof, but using
from a single cabin in the woods to hundreds these recommendations will give you and
of vacation homes on slopes scattered firefighters a higher chance of protecting
through the forest. These areas are called your property.
the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where
the places we live and play meet the wilds.

These wildlands carry a substantial risk of

burning in a wildfire due to accumulations
of fuels such as dried grass, trees and brush.
Dead and living vegetation is often continu-
ous across wildlands, and as a result a fire
can spread easily across the entire area.
Also, many of the plant species in such ar-
eas are readily adapted to wildfire, so their
means of reproduction, fire survival strate-
gies, and growth habits all contribute to
New construction in the wildland-urban interface.
making fire a natural and common part of
these landscapes. Cultivated landscapes
within WUI areas, with mown grass, pruned
trees, and carefully placed groups of appro-
priate vegetation, are less likely to burn. In
these well-tended areas, continuous fuel
corridors are disrupted, so fire is less likely
to spread.

Firewise Landscaping for Utah describes

how to create and maintain landscapes
around homes, cabins and other buildings
to reduce fire risks. Principles and sugges-
tions for building placement, plant choice
and placement, and landscape maintenance
are explained. An extensive list and photos
of firewise trees, shrubs, herbaceous peren- People are seeking out homesites with natural amenities. Along with ridgetop
nials, and grasses are included. By following views and forested surroundings comes wildfire risk.

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

HOW DO WILDFIRES BEHAVE?

FUEL
Before you can properly establish and main-
tain your firewise landscape, you need to un-
derstand how fire works. Fire requires three
things to exist: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Fire
researchers and firefighters call this the “fire
triangle.” Fuel is any combustible material,
including dried grasses and dead branches,
but also living plant material, a firewood pile,
cleared brush that is not removed, a propane
tank, and even your house or cabin. Oxygen
HEAT OXYGEN must be present for a fire to start or continue,
and there must be sufficient heat to allow for
ignition and to sustain burning. If any one of
these three is missing or is removed, the fire
either cannot start or it will go out. Fire fight-
ing, fire prevention, and firewise landscaping
prevent or suppress fires by attacking one or
more of the fire triangle legs: by removing
fuel, reducing heat, or making oxygen un-
available.

The initial source of ignition or heat for

most wildfires is human activity, such as
escaped debris fires, careless use of fireworks,
overheated equipment, and arson. Lightning
is the main natural ignition source. Once a
fire has begun, there are several factors that
affect how it behaves:

WIND. Wind provides oxygen to a fire – the

stronger the wind, the hotter the fire will
burn and the faster it will spread. It also
causes heat transfer from the fire to cooler
areas, and partially determines the direction
the fire will take.

TOPOGRAPHY. Hot air rises, so fire will gen-

erally burn up a slope much more quickly
This fire began in the power lines at the bottom of the mountain and than down. Unburned fuels above the fire are
burned up the west-facing slope. Fortunately, no homes burned.
preheated and dried, bringing them to the
ignition point sooner.
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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Fuel can be from nature, like pine needles, Continuous fuels and a wood roof increase this home’s risk for damage
or man-made, like wood shakes. Fires don’t from a wildfire.
know the difference.

HUMIDITY. Humid air absorbs Influenced by these factors, a wild- initely affect fuel availability and
heat and makes fuel moister and fire moves across the landscape by distribution by manipulating the
harder to ignite. Humidity is low in flame-heating near the fire or by amount of fuel, continuity of fuel,
Utah in summer and early fall, when airborne firebrands that spread the and available moisture. Controlling
most wildfires occur. fire far away from the flame front. these factors is the key to creating
In extreme wildfires intense winds a firewise landscape.
TEMPERATURE. High tempera-
can carry flaming brands or embers
tures bring fuels closer to the ig- The remainder of this booklet de-
miles ahead of the main fire, caus-
nition point. As with low humidity, scribes specific actions you can
ing landscapes and homes to ignite
high summer and fall temperatures take to make your property as fire-
before the main fire even reaches
create more fire-prone conditions. wise as possible. They are divided
them. This is the primary cause of
into the following sections:
FUEL. A fire needs fuel to burn. Con- homes burning in wildfires.
tinuous fuels such as dead grasses,
• Property Selection and
Wind, temperature, and humidity Construction
leaves, and branches will sustain
a fire. Fire can also travel from the
are out of your control. The effect • Firewise Landscape Design
ground into the vegetation canopy,
of topography can be controlled • Landscape Maintenance
or up into a structure, if there are
to some extent by how structures • Firewise Plant Selection
continuous fuels leading up into
and plants are placed within the • Other Fire Safety Factors
landscape. However, you can def-
the tree crown or building.

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

PROPERTY SELECTION AND

CONSTRUCTION

You may already own a home or system, pool, lake, stream, or an LOT SIZE. A smaller lot restricts
a piece of property, but if you are underground cistern can increase your options for firewise landscap-
purchasing land or selecting a the probability that structures can ing, since you have less space to
building site, there are choices that be protected. work with. Small lots increase your
can reduce your wildfire risk. dependence on your neighbors for
VEHICLE ACCESS. When plan- fire safety. If your firewise property
ning access to a new property, build is surrounded by properties with
LOT LOCATION. Utah is can-
fire safety into the road design. hazardous fuel conditions, your ef-
yon country, and canyons channel
Multiple access roads are ideal. forts may not be enough to prevent
wind that can intensify and direct
Roads should be at least two lanes fire damage to your property. With
fires. Ridges are also fire-prone,
wide, with gentle curves, and with a small lot you will need to collabo-
since heat and wind quickly rise
enough space at the end for a fire- rate with your neighbors to create
to ridgetops. Though the top of a
fighting vehicle to turn around. This a firewise community.
steep ridge is scenic, when it comes
can take at least a 45 foot radius
to fire safety flatter land is a better
circle, or a 60 foot wide ‘T’. Narrow,
location for a home or cabin. When HOME POSITION. Proper po-
windy, steep, or vegetation-choked
evaluating property location, fire- sitioning of your home or other
roads will be difficult or impos-
fighter response time is another structures on your property is criti-
sible for firefighters to navigate.
important consideration. cal to fire risk and safety. Avoid
Make sure street signs and house locating structures at the top of
WATER AVAILABILITY. Water numbers are visible, reflective, and a steep ridge or hilltop. A wind-
access is important for fire readable in the dark. All address propelled fire moving uphill will
suppression. Ability for firefighters and street signs should be made of quickly come in contact with the
to access water through a hydrant non-combustible materials. structure. Instead, the home should

Placement of this house on top of a Gambel

oak-covered ridge puts it at greater risk from
wildfire, along with its wood decks.
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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

be set back from the edge of the slope. If

the home is already in place on a ridge, a
concrete wall or patio, or even a pool be-
tween the home and the edge of the hill are DANGEROUS MATERIALS AND CONDITIONS FOR SLOPED SITES
advisable additions. A wooden deck over-
hanging a hilltop or canyon also is vulner- Wind 50 MPH
able to fire because fire will burn up the hill
and under the exposed deck. Flammable
decks and walkways should not be built
near a house in a hazardous area. Structures
that are open to fire from below should be
enclosed with fire-proof materials, or even Wood shake roof

a concrete wall. Wood siding

House built
at edge of slope
ROOFING. Airborne burning embers or
firebrands are the main source of wildfire Deep overhang
spread. Therefore, roofing material is one of
Large trees with
the most vital decisions in home or cabin canopies touching
construction. Choose Class A materials
which have the top rating for fire resistance.
Class A roofing includes tile and metal, plus
shingles made of a variety of materials:
fiberglass reinforced asphalt, metal, fiber-
cement, concrete, or slate. Make certain the LANDSCAPING AND STRUCTURES DESIGNED FOR FIRE SAFETY
underlayment material for any roof type is
also Class A. Be sure to properly enclose the Wind 50 MPH
edges of tile roofing. All roofing should be
carefully maintained, so that openings for
airborne embers are not created.

These are key points to consider while Stucco siding

constructing or renovating a home or cabin.
Fire resistant roof;
In addition to the choices above, using minimal overhang
fire-resistant materials for siding, eaves, Concrete wall to deflect heat;
house set back from top of slope
decks, and fences will increase structure
sustainability during a wildfire. Work closely Fuel reduced; some plants for stability

with your contractor to make the best choices Trees pruned and widely spaced
for fire preparation and prevention.

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

FIREWISE LANDSCAPES AND THE

HOME IGNITION ZONE

The key to protecting yourself and your home

in a fire-prone area is creating and maintain-
ing a firewise landscape in the “home ignition
zone” (Cohen 2002). The home ignition zone
is the home and its immediate surroundings
within about 100 to 150 feet. A house burns
or survives depending on the characteristics
of this zone, so this is where the homeowner
needs to focus most of their pre-fire land-
scaping and home-care efforts. Firewise land-
scape design and maintenance in this zone
interrupts the natural path a fire takes as it
moves by flame heating and flying firebrands
by decreasing fuel amounts and breaking up
fuel continuity at and near the home. Addi-
tionally, firewise landscaping in this zone may
allow firefighters to stay and safely defend
the house, and can help prevent a house fire
from spreading to adjacent vegetation.

This home’s green, moist vegetation and setback from the hillside prevented
Firewise landscaping in the home ignition
it from igniting in the fire that burned up the hill. The wooden deck is a prob-
lem, and should be replaced with non-flammable material. zone may be the make-or-break factor in the
event of a wildfire. If firefighters can reach
your home during such a fire, they will quick-
ly decide if they have a chance of protecting
your property. They will be more likely to pro-
tect a property that allows quick, uninhibited
equipment access and is not thick with brushy,
continuous fuels. If your home or cabin is so
remote that firefighters might not reach it
anyway, your firewise landscaping may keep
the fire from entering the home ignition zone,
or cause it to burn out if it does.

How wide should this zone of firewise land-

scaping be? Research has shown that on
flat ground a 100 foot wide space around a

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

NIFC Interagency Fire Prevention

Firewise landscaping in the home ignition zone, along with
good access, protected this home from a wildfire.

home is ideal, since buildings ex- uphill, heating the vegetation and tion with your neighbors. If you
posed to heat from a fire more than fuels above them. Very steep slopes have a small lot, you won’t have 100
100 feet away are unlikely to ignite. (greater than 40%, or 40 feet of rise feet and may not have even 30 feet
This space includes a closer-in, more per 100 feet horizontal distance) around your home – part of your
manicured, green, and well-watered may widen the home ignition zone, home ignition zone may be on your
area about 30 feet out from the and thus the width of your needed neighbors’ properties. However, if
structure, and a low-fuel but less in- firewise landscaping, out to as much adjacent homeowners are aware
tensively managed area out to 100 as 200 feet. and concerned with protecting
feet. Houses on steep slopes have their homes, you can develop com-
wider home ignition zones, since Developing wide enough firewise mon firewise landscapes.
flames move quickly and readily landscaping may require coopera-

FIRES ADVANCE BY DIRECT FLAME CONTACT AND BY AIRBORNE FIREBRANDS

Advancing
flame front Airborne
firebrands
Firebrands igniting
landscape and house

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

FIREWISE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

In planning firewise landscaping, divide your

property into several zones:

Zone 1, the Near Zone, is immediately adja-

cent to the home or cabin and extends out 30
feet. It is generally very low in fuel and well-
tended. This zone is sometimes referred to as
your defensible space.

Zone 2, the Mid Zone, is 30 to 100 feet away

This home has good, wide firewise landscaping within much of its home from the house, and may be less manicured
ignition zone. Its Zone 1 is “clean and green”.
than the near zone, but usually is maintained
as a low density fuel break. Zones 1 and 2 to-
gether constitute the home ignition zone, and
thus the space requiring the most intensive
firewise landscaping.

Zone 3, the Far Zone, is a transition zone

where the firewise landscape area meets the
adjacent wildlands or open space.

Note that these distances are for level proper-

ties with moderate vegetation densities. They
need to be increased for steeper slopes and
denser vegetation. Within each zone you have
numerous opportunities to put firewise prac-
tices into place. These practices are detailed
below.
Although this home close to the road, its Zone 1 landscaping is not fire-
wise, with highly flammable oak trees overhanging the roof.
Zone 1: Within 30 feet of the building

• Plant widely-spaced, low-growing, non-res-

inous shrubs, 2-3 feet away from the house.
Do not plant directly under windows, vents,
or decks. Do not plant under tree crowns, or
use shrubs to screen propane tanks or fire-
wood piles.

• If planting new trees, plant small-maturing

ones, at least 15 feet away from structures.
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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Choose “clean” trees that do not • Maintain this zone well; it should These areas create fire breaks be-
drop more leaves, bark, pods, be clean and green. Remove ac- tween regions of flammable ma-
etc. than you are willing to clear cumulations of woody debris, dry terials.
regularly. Leave plenty of room herbaceous material, and needles.
between trees to allow for their Mow lawns, prune shrubs and
• Keep Zone 1 well watered ac-
cording to plant needs; use most
growth. In this zone, there should trees, and thin and prune ground
of your available irrigation water
be at least 10 feet separating ma- covers and other vegetation.
in this area. Plants with sufficient
ture tree crowns to keep fire from
moving across the landscape
• Remove tree limbs near the moisture will be less flamma-
ground, within 15 feet of a chim- ble. However, over-watering can
from tree to tree.
ney, or touching or overhanging cause excess growth with some
the house. Limbs encroaching on plants.
• Remove excess brush and small power lines should be removed
trees. Dense brush burns quickly
by the power company.
• Remove firewood and other com-
and can provide a “fire ladder” bustible materials from around
for low flames to move into taller • Include non-flammable mulches, buildings. Firewood should be
trees. Widely spaced trees and rock, and hard surfaces (concrete stored on the outside edge of
shrubs can be left in the land- walks, brick patios, asphalt drive- your home ignition zone or as far
scape for shade and esthetics. ways), especially near the house. out as possible.

HOME IGNITION ZONE AND FUELS TREATMENT ZONES NEAR AN INTERFACE HOME

HOME IGNITION ZONE

ZONE ONE (NEAR AREA) ZONE TWO (MID AREA) ZONE THREE (FAR AREA)

Defensible space

Reduce fuel load

in transition zone

Prune and thin trees and shrubs

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Zone 2: 30-100 feet away • Do not plant in large masses. prone areas it can be hazardous.
from the building Instead, plant in small, irregu- Thinning these groups will slow
lar clusters or islands. Separate the spread of fire.
• Maintain a fuel break of low-
shrubs by at least 2 times their
growing plants in this zone. Such
mature height. • Prevent buildup of dry brush and
fuel breaks act as a buffer between litter.
the manicured landscape near the • As in Zone 1, routinely remove any
home and adjacent wildlands. excess brush or dead vegetation. If some of these zones are outside
of your property line, cooperate
• Emphasize low-growing plants, Zone 3: Beyond 100 feet; with neighboring landowners to
up to 18 inches high, such as fire transition to wildlands create a firewise condition. You may
resistant ground covers.
wish to notify larger landowners
• Any trees within this zone should • Prune and thin trees and brush in such as the Forest Service, Bureau
this zone. Break up the “fire lad-
be spaced 20 to 30 feet between of Land Management, the state,
der” leading from brush up into
crowns to prevent lateral fire or others of the existence of
trees.
spread. Prune all lower branches your home or cabin adjacent to
within 8 feet of the ground with- • Thin dense tree groups. Though their property. Be sure to learn
out leaving stubs. tree grouping is normally a good about their fire prevention and
landscaping technique, in fire- suppression plans.

These homeowners are raking and remov-

ing pine needles and other debris, and
pruning dead material from shrubs.

In general, this home has a good Zone 2, with low and widely-spaced plants. However,
the large spruce and pine represent a lot of fuel that nearly allowed a wildfire to reach
the house.

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

VEGETATION CLEARANCE AND ROOF COMPO-

SITION ARE KEYS TO IGNITION PREVENTION

In 1997, Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen

Darren McAvoy
carried out a revealing experiment (Cohen, 2000). As
part of a research project on crown fires, he tested
the ignitability of wood home walls at varying
This home did not have sufficient clearance
distances from crown fires. He found that a wall 33 from the surrounding forest because of a non-
firewise landscape within their home ignition
feet away from an intense crown fire (with flame zone.

lengths sometimes reaching 33 feet) only ignited if

flames actually touched the wall. A wall placed at 66
feet from the forest was lightly scorched, and a wall
placed at 99 feet was not scorched. The lesson here
is that even if your property is surrounded by forest,
proper clearance around your home, along with
good maintenance, can protect it from ignition.

Darren McAvoy
Roof composition is another key factor. One study
showed that homes with nonflammable roofs and a
This home survived a very hot crown fire pass-
vegetation clearance of 33 to 60 feet had a 95 per- ing nearby. Good firewise landscaping, espe-
cially in Zone 1, along with a non-flammable
cent fire survival rate (Howard et al. 1973). A study roof and other firewise features contributed to
the home’s safety, even with a large pine tree
of a 1990 fire in Santa Barbara reported that homes very near.
with nonflammable roofs and a vegetation clear-
ance of at least 33 feet had an 86 percent fire sur-
vival rate (Foote 1994).

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of your firewise land- frequent, shallow watering. Water stay green and healthy, while oth-
scape is just as important as plan- wide areas around trees and shrubs, ers, like bluegrass, need more.
ning and installation. Any planted since their roots extend well away
landscape, even one planned with from their trunks or stems. • Rake up and remove dead pine
needles, leaf litter, and other plant
fire safety in mind, can become over-
grown and hazardous without regu- • When possible, install drip irri- debris. Don’t pile these materials
gation in planting areas. This in Zones 2 or 3; get rid of them
lar, mindful maintenance. Here are
will conserve water while giving completely. Neighbors may want
suggestions for keeping your fire-
plants optimum moisture. to cooperate to arrange chipping
wise landscape in shape:
and removal if large amounts of
• Water your landscape as necessary • Mow and water grass regularly, material are involved. If possible
to maintain green, succulent according to its needs. Tall, dry take material to a composting/
vegetation. Do not allow plants grasses can spread a fire to your recycling facility where it can be
to dry out, thus increasing fire home or other combustible ma- processed for use elsewhere. If you
risk. Less frequent, deep watering terials. Some grasses, like buffa- maintain a compost pile in your
is better for most plants than lograss, need fairly little water to

POORLY MAINTAINED
Tree overhanging
LANDSCAPE roof and chimney

Tree branches growing

down to shrubs

Masses of shrubs
Continuous masses against house WELL MAINTAINED
of shrubs LANDSCAPE

Tree thinned and

pruned up

Shrubs next to
house removed

Adequate space between

shrubs and tree
Shrubs in distinct groups

Low groundcover
or mulch

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

yard, try to place it at least 100 feet

away from your house.

• Remove tops of annual and

perennial plants after they have
gone to seed or when the stems
become dry.

• Keep shrubs small by pruning

them off close to the ground an-
nually, or at least remove dead
wood and prune branches regu- Rake and remove dead leaves, needles and other debris from wood
structures.
larly. Do not allow shrubs to grow
against the side of structures, or
up into tree crowns.

• On large trees, prune branches to

a height of 10 to 20 feet above the
ground to help prevent low fires
from reaching the tree crowns.

Maintenance is a never-ending task.

Glenn Beagle
Inspect landscapes monthly and
attend to problem situations before
they become serious hazards.
A brush disposal crew clears and chips thick underbrush.

MAINTENANCE IS KEY

Even with good firewise landscape design, fire can still burn unmaintained
structures if debris accumulates in the home ignition zone. Cohen (1999) cites
several examples of homes that caught fire even though the wildfire was miles
away. In one fire he found that removal of pine needles from the base of wood-
covered walls kept several homes from igniting (Cohen 2000). Keeping your roof,
foundation, decks, and the ground near your house clear of flammable debris is a
critical activity all of the time, and especially as fire season approaches.

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

FIREWISE PLANT SELECTION

Firewise plants have a number of • Some firewise plants need minimal
characteristics in common, but or no irrigation to remain green
also can vary considerably. Below and healthy; over-irrigation may
are some important points about harm such plants or may cause
these plants and their management. them to grow too fast and become
Following this section is a list of hazardous. Other plants will need
Evening Primrose
firewise plant choices for Utah supplemental water to survive.
landscapes. This is only a partial Know your plants’ needs and habits
listing. Many other plants could be so you can use and manage them
considered firewise if they have the appropriately.
appropriate characteristics.
• When choosing a particular plant
• No plant is fireproof. All will burn in species or cultivar for a firewise
a very intense fire. planting, favor those that stay low
• Firewise plants all have one or more to the ground, are compact, green
of these firewise characteristics: and healthy with low maintenance
and minimal water, especially dur-
◊ Tissues contain more moisture,
ing the dry season.
especially during the fire season.
◊ Tissues contain low amounts of • All firewise plants should receive
volatile oils and other readily periodic maintenance, including
Lilac
flammable chemicals. removal of dead leaf and stem ma-
◊ Plants provide less fuel, either by terial within the crown and on the
producing less litter or by staying ground, pruning to keep crowns
small. clean and high, and removal of in-
◊ Plants are compact or low to the dividual plants to break up fuel con-
ground, so they can be used in the tinuity.
landscape to interrupt fire path-
ways. • Make sure that the plants you are
considering are cold-hardy (check
• All trees provide large amounts of the USDA hardiness zone for the
fuel to a fire, so they should be care- plant and compare it to the zone for
fully placed and maintained. Broad- your area) and otherwise well-suited
leaved trees found in Utah general- for your locale and the specific
ly are less flammable than conifers planting site.
(pines, firs, spruces, junipers).
• Some plants are weedy and may
• Most of the firewise plants listed even be illegal to plant or cultivate.
in this publication do well in open,
sunny areas typical of most fire-
prone sites.
All plant photos by Michael Kuhns unless otherwise attributed.
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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

USING NATIVE PLANTS

Using firewise plants native to your landscape often is the
best option. Native plants may survive better, rarely are
weedy, and may do well with little or no additional water or
other resources. The important point is to know plants and
your site well enough to choose plants appropriate to your
site. Remember, just because a plant is native to your state
doesn’t mean it is well adapted or native to your local area.
Wasatch Penstemon – an herbaceous
perennial native to the Wasatch mountains Aspen, for example, is native to the mountains throughout
and foothills.
Utah, but not to warmer, drier valleys. So while aspen is a
Utah native, it is not a good landscape choice away from
the mountains.

Silvery Lupine – an herbaceous perennial native to higher elevations Creeping Oregon Grape – a low-growing shrub native to high
throughout Utah. elevation forests throughout Utah.

PLANTS TO AVOID
Some plants are pyrophytic – these plants are extremely flammable due to high resin or oil
content. Common pyrophytes in Utah landscapes are juniper, pine, fir, and spruce. Do not plant
any of these species in your firewise landscape, or use them sparingly, and if they are already
present, consider replacing them with some of the firewise species listed here. If you decide
to keep a pyrophytic plant in your landscape, make sure it is pruned and thinned, remove dead
material regularly, and keep at least 15 feet of clear space between this plant and any structure
or other plant.

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

GRASSES

Low-growing grasses are useful anywhere in a firewise landscape.

They especially serve well as the primary landscape plants in Zone
2. Keep grasses well watered, and mowed or trimmed. In especially
dry areas, consider using buffalograss or other grasses that require
less water and are slow growing. Also look for grasses that are less
prone to drying out during the summer.

RECOMMENDED FIREWISE GRASSES

Common Name Scientific Name
Wheatgrass Agropyron species (some Native)
Buffalograss Buchloe dactyloides

Orchardgrass Dactylis glomerata

Blue Fescue Festuca cinerea and other species
Paul Johnson

Rye Grass Lolium species

Buffalograss
Western Wheatgrass Pascopyrum smithii (Native)
Kentucky Bluegrass Poa pratensis

Sandberg Bluegrass Poa secunda (Native)

Kentucky Bluegrass Blue Fescue

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Comments
resists fire spread due to growth form

Eileen Coite, NCSU Cooperative Extension

low growing without mowing; green through
summer with minimal irrigation
must be mowed or grazed
most low growing; may need to mow; stays moist
with irrigation
stays green with less irrigation than some; need
to mow or graze
low fuel loads; regrows quickly after fire
low growing; may need to mow; stays moist with
irrigation Orchardgrass
low growing without mowing; low fuel loads
Morgan Mendenhall

Blair Waldron

Tall Fescue Crested Wheatgrass

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

GROUND COVERS

Plant low-growing ground covers in Zone 1 and/or in Zone 2, the mid-

zone of your property. Ground covers often are succulent or have oth-
er firewise characteristics that make them useful, functional, and at-
tractive. When planted in beds surrounded by walkways and paths, in
raised beds, or as part of a rock garden, they are an effective barrier to
fire spread. The best ground cover is a spreading plant which forms a
dense mat of roots and foliage that reduces soil erosion while exclud-

Bearberry
ing weeds. Maintain ground covers by providing adequate irrigation,
and clipping off and removing dead stems and other litter annually.

RECOMMENDED FIREWISE GROUND COVERS

Common Name Scientific Name
Bearberry, Kinnikinnick, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Native)
Manzanita
Sea Pink, Sea Thrift Armeria maritima
Beach Wormwood, Artemisia stelleriana
Dusty Miller
Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum
Bearberry Cotoneaster Cotoneaster dammeri

Hardy Ice Plant * Delosperma nubigenum (yellow) &

other Delosperma species
Evergreen Candytuft Iberis sempervirens
Spring Cinquefoil, Potentilla neumanniana ‘Nana’
Creeping Potentilla (P. verna)
Stonecrop, Sedum Sedum species (some Native)
Sea Pink
Hen and Chicks Sempervivum tectorum
Periwinkle * Vinca species

*Can become weedy in certain circumstances.

Evergreen Candytuft Snow-in-summer

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Hardy Ice Plants

Comments
very low and spreading; evergreen; use on poor soils;
needs little pruning; salt tolerant
low growing; dry, infertile sites only; salt tolerant
needs very well-drained soil; moist in summer

low growing; fairly moist in summer

low growing; evergreen; minimal maintenance;
dry sites
also other ice plants; succulent; very drought tolerant;
low growing; may be weedy in warm climates
fairly low growing; evergreen White Stonecrop
very low growing

very low growing; fleshy, moist leaves; drought

tolerant
very low growing; succulent; good on dry, poor soils
low growing, prostrate ground covers; sun or shade;
vincas can spread aggressively

Hen and Chicks Large Periwinkle

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS

Herbaceous perennials in your landscape will add color and variety.

However, tall perennials can present some fire danger if allowed
to dry out. To reduce fire hazard, plant herbaceous perennials in
widely spaced beds in Zones 1 and 2. As with ground covers, sepa-
rate beds with gravel walkways, rock walls or areas of mown lawn.
Do not plant these perennials next to structures unless they are
small in stature, frequently watered and weeded, and tops removed
after the first hard frost. Keep all perennial beds watered, and prune
away dead stalks and foliage throughout the summer and fall.

Columbine RECOMMENDED FIREWISE HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS

Common Name Scientific Name
Silvery Yarrow Achillea clavennae
Fernleaf Yarrow Achillea filipendulina
Yarrow* Achillea — other species & hybrids (some Native)
Columbine Aquilegia species & hybrids (some Native)
Artemisia Artemisia — species & hybrids (some Native)
(various names)*
Bergenia Bergenia species & hybrids
Red Valerian, Centranthus ruber
Jupiter’s Beard
Dwarf Mouse Ear Coreopsis auriculata var. Nana
Coreopsis
Coreopsis Coreopsis — perennial species
Pinks Dianthus plumarius & others
Fleabane* Erigeron species & hybrids (some Native)
Blanketflower Gaillardia x grandiflora hybrid & other
Dianthus
species (some Native)
Hardy Geranium Geranium cinereum
*Can become weedy in certain circumstances.

Artemisia ‘Silver Mound’ Red Valerian

20
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Coreopsis

Comments
small plants for dry sites Blanketflower
large; likes dry sites; moist in summer
some are volatile; good for dry sites
likes moisture and some shade
some are volatile; all like dry soils

moisture loving; medium-sized; semi-evergreen

gets fairly large; moist in summer

needs moisture; fairly low growing

more drought tolerant; larger plants

use perennials; needs moisture; moist in summer
moist through summer
drought, heat tolerant; moist in summer; large; Fleabane
spreads from seed
low growing; cool sites

Daylily Hardy Geranium

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

FIREWISE HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS

Common Name Scientific Name
Bloody Cranesbill Geranium sanguineum
Geranium Geranium species (some Native)
Daylily Hemerocallis species
Coral Bells, Alum Root Heuchera sanguinea &
other species (some Native)
Iris Iris species & hybrids (some Native)
Red-hot Poker Kniphofia species & hybrids
Lavender Lavandula species

Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum x superbum

Sea-lavender, Statice Limonium latifolium
Flax Linum species (some Native)

Red-hot Poker
Lily-turf Liriope spicatum
Lupine* Lupinus species & hybrids
(some Native)
Alfalfa Medicago sativa
Primrose Oenothera species (some Native)
Poppy Papaver species (some Native)
Penstemon Penstemon species & hybrids
(some Native)
Russian Sage, Azure Sage Perovskia atriplicifolia
Nepal Cinquefoil Potentilla nepalensis
Cinquefoil, Potentilla—other non-shrubby
Potentilla* species & hybrids (some Native)
Salvia, Sage* Salvia species & hybrids
(some Native)
Wineleaf Cinquefoil Sibbaldiopsis (Potentilla) tridentata
Lamb’s Ear Stachys byzantina
Yucca Yucca filamentosa & other species
Lupine (some Native)
*Can become weedy in certain circumstances.

Lavender Penstemon
22
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Comments
low/medium growing; partial shade or sun
use perennials; most low growing; need shade where hot
green and moist through summer
also other species, hybrids; low growing foliage

green and moist through summer

large plants; green in summer
compact; contains oils but slow to ignite when moist;
moist in summer; cut to ground regularly
green and moist through summer
low growing leaves; salt resistant; dry soils
good for tough sites & soils
fairly low growing; moist or dry sites; evergreen Lamb’s Ear

some are annuals; poisonous to livestock;

good for poor soils
green & moist through summer; low growing
fairly low growing; best on poor soils
easy to grow; cut back regularly
use on well-drained soils

green through summer; cut back yearly

prostrate form
sulfur cinquefoil is weedy; full sun;
moist through summer Heuchera ‘Coral Bells’ Heuchera ‘Purple Palace’
some are annuals; Mediterranean sage is weedy;
only use low growing, small plants
prostrate, spreading form
green through summer; good on poor soils
evergreen; very drought tolerant

Russian Sage Yucca

23
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

SHRUBS AND WOODY VINES

Shrubs add color and structure to a well-designed landscape. How-

ever, shrubs are a special concern in a firewise landscape, because
they can be a source of significant fuel. Additionally, if shrubs are
planted under tree crowns, under overhanging decks or adjacent to
buildings, they can function as a fire ladder to spread flames to new
areas. When planning your firewise landscape, plant shrubs individ-
ually, or plant in small clumps apart from each other. Near trees and
buildings, plant only widely separated, low-growing, non-resinous
English Ivy varieties. Mow grass low around shrubs, and trim away dead leaves
and branches annually.

RECOMMENDED FIREWISE SHRUBS AND WOODY VINES

Common Name Scientific Name
Saltbush Atriplex species (Native)
Serviceberry Amelanchier species (some Native)
New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus

Ceanothus Ceanothus ovatus (C. herbaceous) &

others (some Native)
Mountain-mahogany Cercocarpus species (Native)

Rock-rose Cistus species

Rockspray, Cotoneaster horizontalis
Rock Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster Cotoneaster—other compact species
English Ivy * Hedera helix

Prostrate Kochia Kochia prostrata

*Can become weedy in certain circumstances

Rockspray Creeping Oregon Grape

24
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Utah Serviceberry

Comments
very drought tolerant; low maintenance
fairly tough, attractive shrubs/small trees; nice flowers
low, dense form; evergreen; fairly trouble free;
drought tolerant
fairly low growing; evergreen; low maintenance

tough shrubs/small trees; curlleaf (C. ledifolius) species

is evergreen and can get pretty large
not all are cold hardy; evergreen; dry sites; size varies
very low and spreading; evergreen

low growth form; low maintenance; tough

evergreen vine; low growing, spreading, climbing;
prune to control spread; sun or shade; can be weedy
stays green; no volatiles; clumps break up fuel
continuity; don’t use weedy annual kochia (K. scoparia)

Spreading Cotoneaster Honeysuckle

25
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

FIREWISE SHRUBS AND WOODY VINES

Common Name Scientific Name

Honeysuckle Lonicera species & hybrids (some
Native)
Creeping Oregon Mahonia repens (Native)
Grape
Western Sandcherry Prunus besseyi (P. pumila var. besseyi)
(Native)
Bitterbrush, Purshia tridentata (Native)
Antelope Bitterbrush
Firethorn, Pyracantha Pyracantha coccinea

Buckthorn Rhamnus species (some Native)

Skunkbush Sumac Rhus trilobata (R. aromatica) (Native)
Sumac Rhus—other species (some Native)

Currant, Gooseberry Ribes species (Native)

Rugosa Rose * Rosa rugosa & other hedge roses
Woods Rose Rosa woodsii (Native)
Buffaloberry Shepherdia species (Native)

Snowberry Symphoricarpos species

Buckthorn Lilac Syringa vulgaris

*Can become weedy in certain circumstances.

Skunkbush Sumac Roundleaf Buffaloberry

26
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Comments
shrubs or vines; use low growing species, cultivars

very low growing, spreading shrub; evergreen;

needs some shade
small, spreading shrub for dry, tough sites

low maintenance; good for tough, dry sites

evergreen shrub; use low growing selections;

prune regularly
tough shrubs; low maintenance Firethorn

easy to grow shrub; fairly small; low maintenance

fairly tough and drought tolerant; some get large;
thin or prune periodically
use low growing dwarf forms; fairly tough, adaptable
medium shrub; tough, fairly drought and salt tolerant
tough; drought tolerant; pink flowers
does well on very poor soils; drought tolerant;
fixes nitrogen; salt tolerant
small shrubs; fairly tough
small to large shrubs; stay green through summer with
irrigation; thin and prune regularly

Golden Currant

Woods Rose Hedge Rose

27
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

TREES

Any tree provides a large potential source of fuel for a wildfire,

so include trees in your firewise landscape sparingly. In Zone1,
trees should be small and placed at least 15 feet away from
structures. In all zones, leave plenty of room between trees to
allow for growth; keep 10 feet between mature tree crowns.
Prune tree limbs up to a height of 10 feet above the ground,
and do not allow shrubs to grow up under the trees, creating
ladder fuels.

Broadleaved (deciduous) trees are better firewise choices

than conifers. Deciduous trees have higher moisture content,
less flammable content, and provide less fuel during their
dormant period. Most conifers have flammable resins, and
their dry needles can drop and accumulate on roofs and the
ground, giving fire a place to start and a way to spread. A few
firewise trees are listed below, but there are many others. Just
Bigtooth Maple remember, any tree adds up to a lot of fuel, so trees should be
used carefully in a firewise landscape.

RECOMMENDED FIREWISE TREES

Common Name Scientific Name and Origin
Maple Acer species (some Native)
Thinleaf Alder Alnus tenuifolia (Native)
Birch Betula species (some Native)

California Redbud Cercis occidentalis (Native)

Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides (Native)

Poplar, Cottonwood Populus—other species (some Native)

Willow Salix species (some Native)

Quaking Aspen
28
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Water Birch

Fremont Cottonwood

Comments
needs supplemental moisture
stays moist in summer but will need irrigation
needs supplemental moisture; use borer resistant
selections
small tree or shrub; drought and heat resistant
needs supplemental moisture; good if maintained
in young clumps, otherwise not suitable for valleys
needs supplemental moisture; most need
plenty of space; some reproduce from sucker sprouts
needs supplemental moisture; disease prone;
some good shrubs

California Redbud
29
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

OTHER FIRE SAFETY FACTORS

Creating and maintaining a firewise landscape

in your home ignition zone will certainly
reduce your risk of damage from a wildfire,
but there are other steps you can take to
lower the risk even further. As you prepare
your property for fire safety, also consider the
measures listed below.

BUILDING

This home has a triple threat: wood shake roof, pine trees overhanging
the house, and dead needles and other debris collected on the roof.
• Class A roof – As emphasized earlier, roof
composition is one of the keys to your
home’s ignitability. Use Class A materials for
your roof if you are building. If your existing
structure does not have a Class A roof,
consider replacing it.

• Decks – Enclose, especially those that over-

hang a slope, with materials that will pre-
vent sparks and firebrands from getting
under them. Consider building or replacing
wood decks and walkways with non-flam-
mable materials. Never store combustible
materials under your deck.

• Non-combustible soffits – If your home or

building has overhanging eaves, enclose
the underside (soffit) with non-combus-
tible material. Cover soffit vents with metal
This woodpile should be moved at least 100 feet away from the house.
Notice the unenclosed deck and tree growing up through the deck – screening to exclude embers.
both increase risk from a wildfire.
• Screen on chimney – Make sure all chimneys
have a spark arrestor or screening of one-
half inch mesh.

• Window materials – Windows broken by

heat will let fire into a structure. Double-
or triple-glazed windows will last longer
than single-pane windows during a fire.
Tempered, low-E glass will last the longest.
Smaller windows are less likely to break dur-
ing a fire than are larger windows.
30
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

The road in this rural subdivision is clearly

marked with a reflective sign.

• Skylights - A skylight can melt your home ignition zone (at least other emergency numbers where
in the intense heat of a fire, cre- 100 feet away from the house). they can be found quickly in the
ating an opening into the home. Consider burying large propane event of a fire.
You can easily construct covers for tanks.
skylights out of 2x4s and shingles;
• Street signs and house numbers –
Ensure that your street is marked
then just put them in place if you EMERGENCY
with easily readable, visible, and
are evacuated in the event of a PREPAREDNESS
non-combustible signs. House
wildfire.
• Fire plan – Create a family fire numbers should be large, reflec-
plan. Know how you will contact tive, and not obscured by vegeta-
MAINTENANCE
each other, and where you will tion. Post your house number at
• Debris cleanup – Prevent buildup meet in the event of a fire. Prac- the end of the driveway if your
of pine needles and other debris. tice home fire drills. house is not easily visible from
Keep roofs, gutters, decks and the road.
porches free of dead pine nee- • Hand tools – During fire season,
dles and other fine debris. They keep hoses and hand tools (rake, • Water and electricity – If your

axe, hoe, shovel) easily accessible. home is on well water with an

are highly combustible, and can
Raking dead vegetation away electrical pump, consider having
easily ignite and spread a fire.
from your home and wetting your an emergency generator, in case
• Firewood, propane – Store fire- roof as a fire approaches may pre- the electricity fails during a fire.
wood and propane away from vent your home from igniting. A pool or pond can be a good
house. Woodpiles and propane emergency water source for you
tanks, including small gas grill • Phone numbers – Post the fire and firefighters.
tanks, should be at the edge of department phone number and

31
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

THE LAST WORD—LET’S GET REAL

A firewise landscape set in Utah’s Firewise landscaping can be at- If you have a home or cabin in the
pine forests, juniper woodlands, or tractive, but appreciating it may woods and just cannot bear to dra-
oak hills may not look “natural” to take an adjustment from what we matically change your surround-
our eyes. Open space and thinned, are accustomed to. Consider the ing landscape to make it firewise,
spread out vegetation may not example of water-wise landscaping. take at least a few steps to reduce
appear as green and inviting as a A decade ago, when few people your risk of fire damage. Refer to
dense stand of trees. Many of us were concerned with water conser- the other sections of this booklet
would love to live in a home or cab- vation, extensive green lawns sur- for specifics, but here is the mini-
in nestled in the woods. However, rounded by thirsty annuals were mum you should consider:
when we make the choice to build considered beautiful, desirable, • Replace wood roofing with metal,
in a wildland landscape, the homes and “normal”. Now, low-water-use tile, or non-flammable shingles.
we build are at the same risk from landscapes filled with native and
• Move firewood piles and pro-
fire as the surrounding vegetation. water-wise perennials are becom- pane tanks at least 100 feet away
Living in the woods comes at a price ing more common and perceptions from the home, preferably to an
– if it is not paid by landscaping to of what is attractive are changing. open area.
prevent fire, it might be paid by the If we continue to build in wildland
• Do not let dead pine needles
loss of a home. areas, our perception of what con-
and other flammable debris ac-
stitutes attractive surroundings in
cumulate on roofs and decks
those settings may need to change
and around foundations.
too.
• Thin dead material from shrubs
and trees. Remove any limbs
that touch the side or roof of the
home.

Your property will not be com-

pletely safe, but following these
steps will help greatly.

32
 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

REFERENCES

Cohen, Jack D. 1999. Reducing the wildland fire threat Foote, E.I.D. 1994. Structure survival on the 1990 Santa
to homes: Where and how much? USDA Forest Service Barbara “Paint” fire: A retrospective study of urban-
General Technical Report PSW-GTR-173. At: www.fire- wildland interface fire hazard mitigation factors. MS
lab.org/fbp/fbppubs/fbppdf/cohen/reducingwlfire.pdf. thesis, University of California at Berkeley.

Cohen, Jack D. 2000. Examination of the home destruc- Hagen, Bruce. 2003. Fire safe landscaping. Western Ar-
tion in Los Alamos associated with the Cerro Grande borist 29(4).
fire. At: www.firelab.org/fbp/fbppubs/fbppdf/cohen/
losalamos.pdf. Howard, R.A., D.W. North, F.L. Offensend, and C.N. Smart.
1973. Decision analysis of fire protection strategy for
Cohen, Jack D. 2000. Preventing disaster: Home ignit- the Santa Monica mountains: An initial assessment.
ability in the wildland-urban interface. Journal of For- Menlo Park, CA: Stanford University.
estry 98(3):15-21.
Kuhns, Mike. 1998. Firewise plants for Utah landscapes.
Cohen, Jack D. 2002. Wildland-Urban Fire—A different Utah Forest Facts, NR/FF/002. Utah State University
approach. USDA Forest Service, Missoula Fire Sciences Forestry Extension, Logan, Utah.
Laboratory, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Missou-
la, Montana. At: http://www.firelab.org/fbp/fbppubs/ Slack, Peter. Firewise construction: Design and materi-
fbppdf/cohen/wufire.pdf. als. Colorado State Forest Service.

Cohen, Jack D. 2003. Protecting your home from Southwest Fire Management Board. 2002. Living with
wildfire (video). USDA Forest Service, Missoula Fire fire: A guide for the homeowner.
Sciences Laboratory, Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Missoula, Montana. At: www.fs.fed.us/rm/main/videos/
protecting.html.

Dennis, F.C. 1999. Fire-resistant landscaping. Natural

Resources Series, no. 6.303. Colorado State University
Cooperative Extension, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Dennis, F.C. 1999. FireWise plant materials. Natural

Resources Series, no. 6.305. Colorado State University
Cooperative Extension, Fort Collins, Colorado.

East Bay Municipal Utility District. 1992 and 2003.

Firescape: Landscaping to reduce fire hazard. Oakland,
California.

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 FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

SOURCES FOR INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

IN MAKING YOUR HOME/PROPERTY FIREWISE

• Contact your local fire department.

• USU Forestry Extension: extension.usu.edu/forestry, or write to 5230 Old Main Hill,
Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-5230. Forestry information and assistance
for homeowners and forest landowners.

• Firewise: www.firewise.org. National organization providing information on how to

make your home and property firewise. Includes a virtual tour of a firewise property.

• Utah Fire Info: www.utahfireinfo.gov. Information on fire prevention at home, on the

job, and during recreational activities.

• Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands: www.ffsl.utah.gov/mmfiremgt.htm.

Fire information from the state forestry agency in Utah.

• Hire an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist for tree work.
A searchable list of certified arborists is found at www.isa-arbor.com/findArborist/
findarborist.aspx.

• USDA Forest Service: Contact your local Ranger District, or go to www.fs.fed.us to

find the Forest and District nearest you.

• USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station Fire Sciences Lab: www.firelab.org.
Information on wildfire research and links to current wildfire activity.

• USDA Forest Service Center for Urban Forest Research: www.ecosmart.org. Click on the
“fire” icon to link to ecoSmart-Fire, an interactive landscape planning tool that helps you
make firewise choices for your home and landscape.

Utah State University is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and other forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, and veteran’s status. Utah State University’s policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation in employment and academic related practices and decisions. Utah State University employees and students cannot, because of race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status, refuse to hire; discharge; promote; demote; terminate; discriminate in compensation;
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discriminate in the classroom, residence halls, or in on/ off campus, USU-sponsored events and activities. This publication is issued in furtherance of
Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Jack M. Payne, Vice President and
Director, Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State University. Published July 2005.

34
NOTES
extension.usu.edu