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

Sherrie Hall - Utah Living with Fire

Kathy Hammons - Community Solutions

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

Tyre Holfeltz - Utah Divison of Forestry, Fire and State Lands

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 and the Utah 

Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands 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. The effects of these fires 

potentially become more serious as communities extend near and into former wildlands. This booklet is 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.
FIRE AND PEOPLE IN THE 

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE

As Utah’s population grows, development 

merges the edges of cities and towns into 

wildlands. New developments also spring 

up within wildlands, including everything 

from a cabin in the woods to hundreds 

of vacation homes on slopes scattered 

through the forest. These areas are called 

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 accumulated 

fuel such as dried grass, trees and brush. 

Dead and living vegetation often is distributed continuously across wildlands, and fire 

can spread easily across the entire area. 

Also, many of the plant species in such areas are readily adapted to wildfire, so their 

means of reproduction, fire survival strategies, and growth habits all contribute to 

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 appropriate 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 suggestions for building placement, plant choice 

and placement, and landscape maintenance 

are explained. An extensive list and photos 

of firewise trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and grasses are included. By using 

the information presented in this booklet, 

you can create a landscape on your property that will be as firewise as possible. Landscapes can never be fire-proof, but following 

these recommendations will give you and 

firefighters a greater chance of protecting 

your property, or of the property surviving 

even if firefighters can’t get to it.

01

New construction in the wildland-urban interface.

People are seeking out homesites with natural amenities. Along with ridgetop 

views and forested surroundings comes wildfire risk.

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
HOW DO WILDFIRES BEHAVE?

Before you can properly establish and maintain your firewise landscape, you must understand how fire works. Fire requires fuel, oxygen, and heat to exist. 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 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 fighting, 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 unavailable.

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 generally burn up a slope much more quickly 

than down. Unburned fuels above the fire are 

preheated and dried, bringing them to the 

ignition point sooner.

02

This fire began in the power lines at the bottom of the mountain and 

burned up the west-facing slope. Fortunately, no homes burned.

FUEL

OXYGEN HEAT

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
03

HUMIDITY. Humid air absorbs 

heat and makes fuel moister and 

harder to ignite. Humidity is low 

in Utah in summer and early fall, 

when most wildfires occur.

TEMPERATURE. High temperatures bring fuels closer to the ignition point. As with low humidity, 

high summer and fall temperatures 

create more fire-prone conditions.

FUEL. Fire needs fuel, includinglive 

and dead grass, leaves, and branches. Fire can travel from the ground 

into the vegetation canopy, or up 

into a structure, if there are continuous fuels leading from the ground 

up into the tree crown or building.

Influenced by these factors, a wildfire moves across the landscape by 

flame-heating near the fire or by 

airborne firebrands that spread the 

fire far away from the flame front. 

In extreme wildfires intense winds 

can carry flaming brands or embers 

miles ahead of the main fire, causing landscapes and homes to ignite 

before the main fire even reaches 

them. This is the primary cause of 

homes burning in wildfires.

Wind, temperature, and humidity 

are out of your control. The effect 

of topography can be controlled 

to some extent by how structures 

and plants are placed within the 

landscape. However, you can definitely affect fuel availability and 

distribution by manipulating the 

amount of fuel, continuity of fuel, 

and available moisture. Controlling 

these factors is the key to creating 

a firewise landscape. 

The remainder of this booklet describes specific actions you can 

take to make your property as firewise as possible. They are divided 

into the following sections:

• Property Selection and 

Construction

• Firewise Landscape Design 

• Landscape Maintenance

• Firewise Plant Selection

• Other Fire Safety Factors

Continuous fuels and a wood roof increase this home’s risk for damage 

from a wildfire.

Fuel can be from nature, like pine needles, 

or man-made, like wood shakes. Fires don’t 

know the difference.

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
04

PROPERTY SELECTION AND 

CONSTRUCTION

You may already own a home or 

a piece of property, but if you are 

purchasing land or selecting a 

building site, there are choices that 

can reduce your wildfire risk. 

LOT LOCATION. Utah is canyon country, and canyons channel 

wind that can intensify and direct 

fires. Ridges are also fire-prone, 

since heat and wind quickly rise 

to ridgetops. Though the top of a 

steep ridge is scenic, when it comes 

to fire safety flatter land is a better 

location for a home or cabin. When 

evaluating property location, firefighter response time is another 

important consideration. 

WATER AVAILABILITY. Water 

access is important for fire 

suppression. Ability for firefighters 

to access water through a hydrant 

system, pool, lake, stream, or an 

underground cistern can increase 

the probability that structures can 

be protected.

VEHICLE ACCESS. When planning access to a new property, build 

fire safety into the road or driveway 

design. Multiple access roads are 

ideal. Roads should be at least two 

lanes wide, with gentle curves and 

with enough space at the end for a 

fire-fighting vehicle to turn around. 

This can take at least a 45 foot radius circle, or a 60 foot wide ‘T’. Narrow, 

windy, steep, or vegetation-choked 

roads will be difficult or impossible 

for firefighters to navigate. 

Make sure street signs and house 

numbers are visible, reflective, and 

readable in the dark. All address 

and street signs should be noncombustible.

LOT SIZE. A smaller lot restricts 

your options for firewise landscaping, since you have less space to 

work with. Small lots increase your 

dependence on your neighbors for 

fire safety. If your firewise property 

is surrounded by properties with 

hazardous fuel conditions, your efforts may not be enough to prevent 

fire damage to your property. With 

a small lot you will need to collaborate with your neighbors to create 

a firewise community.

HOME POSITION. Proper positioning of your home or other 

structures on your property is critical to fire risk and safety. Avoid 

locating structures at the top of 

a steep ridge or hilltop. A windpropelled fire moving uphill will 

quickly come in contact with the 

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.

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
05

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 between the home and the edge of the hill are 

advisable additions. A wooden deck overhanging a hilltop or canyon is vulnerable 

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 a 

concrete wall.

ROOFING. Airborne burning embers or 

firebrands are the main source of wildfire 

spread. Therefore, roofing material is one of 

the most vital decisions in home or cabin 

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, fibercement, concrete, or slate. Make certain the 

underlayment material for any roof type also 

is Class A. Be sure to properly enclose the 

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 

constructing or renovating a home or cabin. 

In addition to the choices above, using 

fire-resistant materials for siding, eaves, 

decks, and fences will increase structure 

sustainability during a wildfire. Work closely 

with your contractor to make the best choices 

for fire preparation and prevention.

Wind 50 MPH

Wood shake roof

Wood siding

Deep overhang

House built

at edge of slope

Large trees with 

canopies touching

DANGEROUS MATERIALS AND CONDITIONS FOR SLOPED SITES

Wind 50 MPH

LANDSCAPING AND STRUCTURES DESIGNED FOR FIRE SAFETY

Stucco siding

Fire resistant roof;

minimal overhang

Concrete wall to deflect heat; 

house set back from top of slope

Fuel reduced; some plants for stability

Trees pruned and widely spaced

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 maintaining a firewise landscape in the home ignition 

zone (Cohen 2002). The home ignition zone 

is the home and its immediate surroundings 

within about 100 feet on flat ground. A house 

burns or survives depending on the characteristics of this zone, so this is where you need 

to focus most of your pre-fire landscaping and 

home-care efforts. Firewise landscape 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. Additionally, 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.

Firewise landscaping in the home ignition 

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 quickly decide if they have a chance of protecting 

your property. They will be more likely to protect 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 landscaping be? Research has shown that on flat 

ground a 100 foot wide space around a home 

06

This home’s green, moist vegetation and setback from the hillside prevented 

it from igniting in the fire that burned up the hill. The wooden deck is a problem, and should be replaced with non-flammable material.

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
is ideal, since buildings exposed to 

heat from a fire more than 100 feet 

away are unlikely to ignite. This space 

includes manicured, green, and wellwatered areas that are low in fuel. 

Houses on steep slopes have wider 

home ignition zones, since flames 

move quickly and readily uphill, 

heating the vegetation and fuels 

above them. Steep slopes (greater 

than 20%, or 20 feet of rise per 100 

feet horizontal distance) widen the 

home ignition zone, and thus the 

width of your needed firewise landscaping, out to as much as 200 feet.

Developing wide enough firewise 

landscaping may require cooperation with your neighbors. If you 

have a small lot, you won’t have 100 

feet and may have much less space 

around your home – part of your 

home ignition zone may be on your 

neighbors’ properties. However, if 

adjacent homeowners are aware 

and concerned with protecting 

their homes, you can develop common firewise landscapes. 

07

Firewise landscaping in the home ignition zone, along with 

good access, protected this home from a wildfire.

NIFC Interagency Fire Prevention

Firebrands igniting 

landscape and house

FIRES ADVANCE BY DIRECT FLAME CONTACT AND BY AIRBORNE FIREBRANDS 

Airborne 

firebrands

Advancing 

flame front

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
08

FIREWISE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

In planning firewise landscaping, divide your 

property into several zones or areas.

Zone 1 is your home and attached structures. 

It includes the house, attached decks, fences, 

and other combustible structures. 

Zone 2 is your landscape extending 100 feet 

from the home. It is kept clean and green, with 

groups of well-maintained and irrigated turf, 

ground covers, and other perennial plants 

separated by rock or other non-combustible 

surfaces or walls. Scattered trees and shrubs 

are pruned and kept well away from the home. 

Zones 1 and 2 together make up the home ignition zone or defensible space.

Zone 3 is the surrounding native or wildland 

area. Its vegetation should be thinned if feasible, with a focus on removing highly flammable vegetation and debris.

Note that these distances are for level properties with moderate vegetation densities. They 

need to be increased up to 200 feet on steeper 

slopes with dense vegetation. Firewise practices for each zone are detailed below.

Zone 1: Your home 

Homes can be placed, designed, constructed 

and maintained to minimize the chances of 

ignition in a wildlfire. These factors are covered on pages 4-5, 12-13, and 30-32.

Zone 2: Your landscape 

The idea in this zone is to create a low-fuel 

landscape that minimizes chances of a fire 

burning from the landscape or surroundThis home has good, wide firewise landscaping within much of its home 

ignition zone. Its Zone 2 is “clean and green”. 

Although this home close to the road, its Zone 2 landscaping is not firewise, with highly flammable oak trees overhanging the roof. 

•

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

DECKS, FENCES ARE PART OF HOUSE

Any structure that can burn that is attached to a 

house should be considered part of that house 

when figuring zone distances. These structures 

can set houses on fire as they burn. This includes 

fences, decks, and sheds made of wood, vinyl, or 

wood-polymer composite boards. •
09

ing wildlands to the home, or the 

chances of flying firebrands igniting the landscape.

Maintain a non-combustible area 

within 3 feet of a house. This can 

include pavement, rocks, gravel, 

and irrigated non-woody plants 

like lawn, small flowers, and low 

ground covers. Do not use flammable mulches or allow dead 

plant material to accumulate. 

Throughout this zone use noncombustible areas like gravel 

beds and structures like retaining walls to create firebreaks between groups of plants and other 

flammable materials.

Trees can be left in Zone 2 for 

shade and esthetics, but should 

be widely spaced. Leave at least 

10 feet between mature tree 

crowns or small groups of trees 

or shrubs to keep fire from easily 

moving across the landscape. Favor broadleaved trees and small 

trees, and avoid resinous conifers. Remove all dead trees and 

shrubs.

Keep tree crowns at least 10 to 15 

feet horizontally from structures, 

chimney outlets, and powerlines. 

Pruning near powerlines should 

be done by the power company. 

Prune without leaving stubs that 

cause sprouting and decay.

Brush and low limbs provide a 

“fire ladder” for low fires to move 

into taller trees. Break up this ladder by removing shrubs and small 

trees near larger trees. Prune lower tree branches to keep a 6 to 15 

foot clearance from the ground to 

the bottom of the crown. However, at least half of the tree’s crown 

should be left with live branches 

to ensure its health.

Keep this zone clean and green. 

Remove accumulated woody debris, dry herbaceous material, and 

dead needles. Mow lawns, prune 

shrubs and trees to remove dead 

wood, and thin and prune ground 

covers and other vegetation.

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ZONE 1 (HOME) ZONE 3 (WILDLANDS)

HOME IGNITION ZONE - DEFENSIBLE SPACE

ZONE 2 (LANDSCAPE; 100-200 FEET)

Non-combustible area

3 feet out from home

Reduce fuel load;

keep lean and green;

few trees, well pruned

Prune and thin trees and shrubs

HOME IGNITION ZONE AND FUEL TREATMENT ZONES NEAR AN INTERFACE HOME

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

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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. 

10

Zone 3: Beyond 100 feet

This zone can be left fairly natural, 

but pruning and thinning trees 

and brush is beneficial. 

Thin dense tree groups to slow 

fire spread. Also remove brush 

that provides a “fire ladder” into 

tree crowns.

Prevent buildup of dead plant 

material and litter. Do not pile 

brush removed from elsewhere 

in this zone; get rid of it. Neighbors may want to get together 

to sponsor cleanup days, with a 

chipper and truck available for 

debris removal.

If all or parts of zones 2 and 3 

are outside your property line, 

cooperate with your neighbors 

to create firewise conditions. 

Notify larger landowners like the 

Forest Service or Bureau of Land 

Management of the presence of 

your home or cabin adjacent to 

their property. Be sure to learn 

about their fire prevention and 

suppression plans.

Keep Zone 2 well watered according to plant needs. Plants with 

sufficient moisture will be less 

flammable. Avoid over-watering, 

which can cause excess growth.

Store firewood 30 to 100 feet 

from structures. Locate propane 

tanks well away from your home 

according to code (contact your 

fire department). Keep flammable 

materials, including tree crowns, 

other vegetation, and wooden 

fences, at least 15 feet from firewood and propane tanks.

Replace flammable plastic, wood, 

or fabric outdoor furniture with 

non-flammable metal or glass.

These homeowners are raking and removing pine needles and other debris, and 

pruning dead material from shrubs.

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FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
11

VEGETATION CLEARANCE AND ROOF COMPOSITION ARE KEYS TO IGNITION PREVENTION

In 1997, Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen 

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 

distances from crown fires. He found that a wall 33 

feet away from an intense crown fire (with flame 

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.

Roof composition is another key factor. One study 

showed that homes with non-flammable roofs and 

a vegetation clearance of 33 to 60 feet had a 95 percent fire survival rate (Howard et al. 1973). A study 

of a 1990 fire in Santa Barbara reported that homes 

with non-flammable roofs and a vegetation clearance of at least 33 feet had an 86 percent fire survival rate (Foote 1994).

This home did not have sufficient clearance 

from the surrounding forest because of a nonfirewise landscape within their home ignition 

zone. 

This home survived a very hot crown fire passing nearby. Good firewise landscaping in Zone 

2, along with a non-flammable roof and other 

firewise features, contributed to the home’s 

safety, even with a large pine tree very near.

Darren McAvoy Darren McAvoy

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
12

frequent, shallow watering. Water 

wide areas around trees and shrubs, 

since their roots extend well away 

from their trunks or stems. 

When possible, install drip irrigation in planting areas. This 

will conserve water while giving 

plants optimum moisture. 

Mow and water grass regularly, 

according to its needs. Tall, dry 

grasses can spread a fire to your 

home or other combustible materials. Some grasses, like buffalograss, need fairly little water to 

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of your firewise landscape is just as important as planning and installation. Any planted 

landscape, even one planned with 

fire safety in mind, can become overgrown and hazardous without regular, mindful maintenance. Here are 

suggestions for keeping your firewise landscape in shape:

Water your landscape as necessary

to maintain green, succulent 

vegetation. Do not allow plants 

to dry out, thus increasing fire 

risk. Less frequent, deep watering 

is better for most plants than 

stay green and healthy, while others, like bluegrass, need more.

Rake up and remove dead needles, 

leaf litter, and other plant debris. 

Do not pile these materials in 

Zones 2 or 3; get rid of them. 

Neighbors may want to cooperate 

to arrange chipping and removal 

if large amounts of material are 

involved. If possible take material 

to a composting/recycling facility 

where it can be processed for use 

elsewhere. If you have a compost 

pile, try to place it at least 100 feet 

away from your house.

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WELL MAINTAINED 

LANDSCAPE 

POORLY MAINTAINED 

LANDSCAPE 

Shrubs growing under

tree branches

Continuous masses

of shrubs

Tree overhanging roof

and chimney

Masses of shrubs

against house

Solitary tree pruned up

and away from house

Shrubs next to

house removed

Low ground cover or

gravel beds

Shrubs in distinct groups

Adequate space between

shrubs and tree

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
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 catching 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.

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 annually, or at least remove dead 

wood and prune branches regularly. 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 8 to 15 feet above the 

ground to help prevent low fires 

from reaching the tree crowns.

Maintenance is a never-ending task. 

Inspect landscapes monthly and 

attend to problem situations before 

they become serious hazards. 

13

A brush disposal crew clearing and chipping thick underbrush.

Glenn Beagle

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Rake and remove dead leaves, needles and other flammable debris from 

near structures.

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
14

Firewise plants have a number of 

characteristics in common, but 

also can vary considerably. Below 

are some important points about 

these plants and their management. 

Following this section is a list of 

firewise plant choices for Utah 

landscapes. This is only a partial 

listing. Many other plants could be 

considered firewise if they have the 

appropriate characteristics.

No plant is fireproof. All will burn in 

a very intense fire. 

Firewise plants all have one or more 

of these firewise characteristics: 

◊	Tissues contain more moisture, 

especially during the fire season. 

◊	Tissues contain low amounts of 

volatile oils and other readily 

flammable chemicals. 

◊	Plants provide less fuel, either by 

producing less litter or by staying 

small. 

◊	Plants are compact or low to the 

ground, so they can be used in the 

landscape to interrupt fire pathways. 

FIREWISE PLANT SELECTION

All plant photos by Michael Kuhns unless otherwise attributed.

Evening Primrose

Lilac

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All trees provide large amounts of 

fuel to a fire, so they should be carefully placed and maintained. Broadleaved trees found in Utah generally are less flammable than conifers 

(pines, firs, spruces, junipers). 

Most of the firewise plants listed 

in this publication do well in open, 

sunny areas typical of most fireprone sites. 

Some firewise plants need minimal 

or no irrigation to remain green 

and healthy; over-irrigation may 

harm such plants or may cause 

them to grow too fast and become 

hazardous. Other plants will need 

supplemental water to survive. 

Know your plants’ needs and habits 

so you can use and manage them 

appropriately.

When choosing a particular plant 

species or cultivar for a firewise 

planting, favor those that stay low to 

the ground and are compact, green 

and healthy, with low maintenance 

and minimal water, especially during the dry season. 

All firewise plants should receive 

periodic maintenance, including 

removal of dead leaf and stem material within the crown and on the 

ground, pruning to keep crowns 

clean and high (in trees), and removal of individual plants to break 

up fuel continuity. 

Make sure that the plants you are 

considering are cold-hardy in your 

area (check the USDA hardiness zone 

for the plant and compare it to the 

zone for your area) and otherwise 

well-suited for your locale and the 

specific planting site. 

Some plants are weedy and may 

even be illegal to plant or cultivate.

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FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
15

PLANTS TO AVOID 

Some plants are pyrophytic – these plants are extremely flammable due to high resin or oil content or 

other characteristics. Common tree pyrophytes in Utah landscapes are juniper, pine, fir, and spruce. Do 

not plant these species in your firewise landscape, especially in Zone 2, or use them sparingly. 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, keep it pruned and thinned, remove dead material regularly, 

and keep it at least 15 feet from any structure or other plant. Cheatgrass is an invasive, pyrophytic grass 

that should be mowed and gotten rid of if possible.

Wasatch Penstemon – an herbaceous 

perennial native to the Wasatch mountains 

and foothills.

Silvery Lupine – an herbaceous perennial native to higher elevations 

throughout 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. 

Aspen, for example, is native to the mountains throughout 

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. 

Creeping Oregon Grape – a low-growing shrub native to high 

elevation forests throughout Utah.

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
Blue Fescue

16

GRASSES

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

and can serve well as your primary landscape plants. 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 

Rye Grass Lolium species 

Western Wheatgrass Pascopyrum smithii (Native)

Kentucky Bluegrass Poa pratensis 

Sandberg Bluegrass Poa secunda (Native)

Paul Johnson

Buffalograss

Kentucky Bluegrass

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
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Comments

resists fire spread due to growth form

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

low growing without mowing; low fuel loads

Crested Wheatgrass

Blair Waldron 

Orchardgrass

Eileen Coite, NCSU Cooperative Extension

Morgan Mendenhall

Tall Fescue

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
18

GROUND COVERS

Low-growing ground covers make effective firewise plants, especially 

near the home. Ground covers often are succulent or have other firewise characteristics that make them useful, functional, and attractive. 

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 excluding 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)

Hen and Chicks Sempervivum tectorum 

Periwinkle * Vinca species

*Can become weedy in certain circumstances.

Bearberry

Sea Pink

Evergreen Candytuft Snow-in-summer

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
19

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

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

White Stonecrop

Hardy Ice Plants

Large Periwinkle

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
20

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 Zone 2. As with ground covers, separate 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 the tops are removed 

after they dry out. Keep all perennial beds watered, and prune away 

dead stalks and foliage throughout the summer and fall.

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 

 species (some Native)

Hardy Geranium Geranium cinereum

*Can become weedy in certain circumstances.

Columbine

Artemisia ‘Silver Mound’

Dianthus

Red Valerian

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
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Comments

small plants for dry sites

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; 

spreads from seed

low growing; cool sites

Daylily

Coreopsis

Blanketflower

Hardy Geranium

Fleabane

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
22

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)

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 

 (some Native)

*Can become weedy in certain circumstances.

Lupine

Lavender Penstemon

Red-hot Poker

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
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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

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

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

Lamb’s Ear

Heuchera ‘Coral Bells’ Heuchera ‘Purple Palace’

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
24

SHRUBS AND WOODY VINES

Shrubs add color and structure to a well-designed landscape. However, 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 individually, or plant in small clumps apart from each other. Near trees 

and buildings, plant only widely separated, low-growing, non-resinous varieties. Mow grass low around shrubs, and trim away dead 

leaves and branches annually.

English Ivy

Rockspray

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 

Creeping Oregon Grape

*Can become weedy in certain circumstances

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
25

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 mtn. mahogany 

(C. ledifolius) 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

 Serviceberry Hybrid

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

Utah Serviceberry
26

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 

Lilac Syringa vulgaris 

*Can become weedy in certain circumstances.

FIREWISE SHRUBS AND WOODY VINES

Buckthorn

Skunkbush Sumac Roundleaf Buffaloberry

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
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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 or cutback regularly

tough shrubs; low maintenance

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

Firethorn

Woods Rose Hedge Rose

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
28

TREES

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

so include trees in your firewise landscape sparingly. In Zone 

2 trees should be small and placed so that there crowns will 

be at least 10 to 15 feet away from structures. 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 8 to 15 

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 chemical 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 

remember, any tree provides 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)

Bigtooth Maple

Quaking Aspen

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
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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

Fremont Cottonwood

California Redbud

Water Birch

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
30

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

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 – Consider replacing wood decks and 

walkways with non-flammable materials 

like concrete or pavers. Enclose the sides of 

decks, especially if they overhang a slope, to 

prevent sparks and firebrands from getting 

under them. Never store combustible materials (including vehicles) under your deck.

Non-combustible soffits – If your home or 

building has overhanging eaves, enclose 

the underside (soffit) with non-combustible material. Cover soffit vents with metal 

screening to exclude embers.

Screen on chimney – Make sure all chimneys 

have a spark arrestor or screening of onehalf inch mesh.

Window materials – Windows broken by 

heat will let fire into a structure. Doubleor 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 during a fire than are larger windows.

This wood pile should be moved at least 30 to 100 feet away from the 

house. Notice the unenclosed deck and tree growing up through the 

deck – both increase risk from a wildfire.

This home has a triple threat: wood shake roof, pine trees overhanging 

the house, and dead needles and other debris collected on the roof.

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FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
31

Skylights - A skylight can melt 

in the intense heat of a fire, creating an opening into the home. 

You can easily construct covers for 

skylights out of 2x4s and shingles; 

then just put them in place if you 

are evacuated in the event of a 

wildfire.

MAINTENANCE

Debris cleanup – Keep roofs, 

gutters, decks, porches, and the 

house perimeter free of dead 

pine needles and other flammable debris. They can easily ignite 

and spread a fire.

Firewood, propane – Firewood 

and propane tanks, including 

small gas grill tanks, should be 

stored away from the house at the 

edge of your home ignition zone 

(at least 100 feet from the house). 

Consider burying large propane 

tanks. Check with your local gas 

company and fire department 

for advice on tank placement.

EMERGENCY 

PREPAREDNESS

Fire plan – Create a family fire 

plan. Know how you will contact 

each other, and where you will 

meet in the event of a fire. Practice home fire drills.

Hand tools – During fire season 

keep hoses and hand tools (rake, 

axe, hoe, shovel) easily accessible. 

Raking dead vegetation away 

from your home and wetting your 

roof as a fire approaches may prevent your home from igniting.

Phone numbers – Post the fire 

department phone number and 

other emergency numbers where 

they can be found quickly in the 

event of a fire.

Street signs and house numbers – 

Ensure that your street is marked 

with easily readable, visible, and 

non-combustible signs. House 

numbers should be large, reflective, and not obscured by vegetation. Post your house number at 

the end of the driveway if your 

house is not easily visible from 

the road. 

Water and electricity – If your 

home is on well water with an 

electrical pump, consider having 

an emergency generator in case 

the electricity fails during a fire. 

A pool or pond can be a good 

emergency water source for you 

and firefighters.

The road in this rural subdivision is clearly 

marked with a reflective sign.

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FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
32

A firewise landscape set in Utah’s 

pine forests, juniper woodlands, or 

oak hills may not look “natural” to 

our eyes. Open space and thinned, 

spread out vegetation may not 

appear as green and inviting as a 

dense stand of trees. Many of us 

would love to live in a home or cabin nestled in the woods. However, 

when we make the choice to build 

in a wildland landscape, the homes 

we build are at the same risk from 

fire as the surrounding vegetation. 

Living in the woods comes at a price 

– if it is not paid by landscaping to 

prevent fire, it might be paid by the 

loss of a home. 

If you have a home or cabin in the 

woods and just cannot bear to dramatically change your surrounding 

landscape to make it firewise, take 

at least a few steps to reduce your 

risk of fire damage. Refer to the 

other sections of this booklet for 

specifics, but here is the minimum 

you should consider:

Replace wood roofing with metal, 

tile, or non-flammable shingles.

Maintain a 3 foot non-combustible area around your home.

Move firewood piles and propane 

tanks 30 to 100 feet away from the 

home, preferably to an open area.

Do not let dead pine needles and 

other flammable debris accumulate on roofs and decks,

Thin dead material from shrubs 

and trees. Remove any limbs 

that touch the side or roof of the 

home.

Your property will not be completely safe, but following these steps will 

help greatly.

Firewise landscaping can be attractive, but appreciating it may 

take an adjustment from what we 

are accustomed to. Consider the 

example of water-wise landscaping. 

A decade ago, when few people 

were concerned with water conservation, only extensive green lawns 

surrounded by thirsty annuals were 

considered beautiful, desirable, 

and “normal”. Now, low-water-use 

landscapes filled with native and 

water-wise perennials are becoming more common and perceptions 

of what is attractive are changing. 

If we continue to build in wildland 

areas, our perception of what constitutes attractive surroundings in 

those settings may need to change 

too.

THE LAST WORD—LET’S GET REAL

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FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH

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33

REFERENCES

Cohen, Jack D. 1999. Reducing the wildland fire threat 

to homes: Where and how much? USDA Forest Service 

General Technical Report PSW-GTR-173. At: www.fs.fed.

us/rm/pubs_other/rmrs_1999_cohen_j001.html.

Cohen, Jack D. 2000. Examination of the home destruction in Los Alamos associated with the Cerro Grande 

fire. At: www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_other/rmrs_2000_cohen_j001.html.

Cohen, Jack D. 2000. Preventing disaster: Home ignitability in the wildland-urban interface. Journal of Forestry 98(3):15-21.

Cohen, Jack D. 2002. Wildland-urban fire—A different 

approach. USDA Forest Service, Missoula Fire Sciences 

Laboratory, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Missoula, Montana. At: http://www.nps.gov/fire/download/

pub_pub_wildlandurbanfire.pdf.

Cohen, Jack D. 2003. Protecting your home from 

wildfire (video). USDA Forest Service, Missoula Fire 

Sciences Laboratory, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 

Missoula, Montana. At: www.fs.fed.us/rm/publications/

titles/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.

Foote, E.I.D. 1994. Structure survival on the 1990 Santa 

Barbara “Paint” fire: A retrospective study of urbanwildland interface fire hazard mitigation factors. MS 

thesis, University of California at Berkeley.

Hagen, Bruce. 2003. Fire safe landscaping. Western Arborist 29(4). 

Howard, R.A., D.W. North, F.L. Offensend, and C.N. Smart. 

1973. Decision analysis of fire protection strategy for 

the Santa Monica mountains: An initial assessment. 

Menlo Park, CA: Stanford University. 

Kuhns, Mike. 1998. Firewise plants for Utah landscapes. 

Utah Forest Facts, NR/FF/002. Utah State University 

Forestry Extension, Logan, Utah.

Slack, Peter. Firewise construction: Design and materials. Colorado State Forest Service.

Southwest Fire Management Board. 2002. Living with 

fire: A guide for the homeowner.

FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
34

SOURCES FOR INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE 

IN MAKING YOUR HOME/PROPERTY FIREWISE

Contact your local fire department.

USU Forestry Extension: http://forestry.usu.edu, or write to 5230 Old Main Hill, 

Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-5230. Forestry information and assistance 

for homeowners and forest landowners.

Firewise: http://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: http://www.utahfireinfo.gov. Information on fire prevention at home, on 

the job, and during recreational activities.

Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands: http://www.ffsl.utah.gov/ffsl.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 http://www.isa-arbor.com.

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

find the Forest and District nearest you.

USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station Fire Sciences Lab: 

http://www.firelab.org. Information on wildfire research and links to current wildfire 

activity.

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. USU’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; or discriminate regarding terms, privileges, or conditions of 

employment, against any person otherwise qualified. Employees and students also cannot discriminate in the classroom, residence halls, or in on/ off campus, USUsponsored 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, Noelle Cockett, Vice President for Extension and Agriculture, Utah State University. Published July 2005; updated September 2007 

and December 2012.

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FIREWISE LANDSCAPING FOR UTAH
NOTES
extension.usu.edu