November 3, 2023
In partnership with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Cal Water, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the West Basin Municipal Water District hosted a firescaping workshop for Peninsula residents on November 1.
Over 20 participants joined the session to learn and ask questions about creating fire-resistant landscapes for their homes and properties. Firescaping uses landscaping techniques, native plants, and defensible space principles to help protect properties against wildfire.
On hand to welcome guests to the event was West Basin Division I Director Harold C. Williams, MSCE, P.E., who represents the Peninsula; Board President Scott Houston; and City of Rancho Palos Verdes City Manager Ara Mihranian. California Water Service Conservation Coordinator Tammie Myers also shared fire-wise resources as well.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Lewis spoke to community members about the Fire Hazard Reduction Program and noticing process prior to the start of the workshop. The session was then led by subject matter expert Douglas Kent, MS MLA, who spoke on the key topics of structures, first five feet, defensible space, and plants.
Visit www.westbasin.org/firescaping to learn about the resources shared at the workshop.
Sample fire retardant and resistant plants. Courtesy of Doug Kent.
