What is firescaping?
Firescaping uses landscaping techniques and native plants to protect your home from wildfires. These practices combined with smart irrigation systems can help safeguard your home, use less water, and save money on your water bill.
Why is firescaping important?
California has dry, windy, and often hot weather conditions from spring through fall. These specific conditions in combination with climate change, can produce moderate to severe wildfires. Firescaping allows you to:
Identify high-risk landscapes
Learn which plants and building materials help minimize damage
Get tips for reducing your fire risk
Make your home firefighter-accessible
In 2021, West Basin partnered with the city of Malibu, the Los Angeles County Waterworks District #29, and the city of Rancho Palos Verdes to host two firescaping workshops tailored to the Malibu/Topanga and Palos Verdes areas. Attendees learned landscaping and irrigation techniques to safeguard their homes from wildfires. During this interactive session, participants had the opportunity to have their specific questions answered by a subject matter expert.
The resources provided still offer valuable information,
which you can find here:
Power Point Resources:
Video:
Workshop Instructor
The 2021 workshops were led by the author of the best selling book on property protection in the U.S.: Douglas Kent, MS, MLA. Kent has worked to create fire-protected communities since 1993. He has worked with high-risk communities throughout California and has been on the front lines of many wildfires. Kent has taught at the California Polytechnic University, Pomona, since 2008. Pictured, is his book is entitled Firescaping: Protecting Your Home with a Fire-Resistent Landscape.
Questions?:
Email Jenyffer Vasquez with questions or for more information.
JenyfferV@westbasin.org
