Defensible space is the area between a structure and an oncoming wildfire where nearby vegetation has been modified to reduce a wildfire's intensity. Many people resist creating defensible space around their homes because they believe these areas will be unattractive and unnatural. This is far from true. With careful planning, FireWise landscaping can be aesthetically pleasing while reducing potential wildfire fuel. It can actually enhance beauty and property values, as well as personal safety.
Many native plants are highly flammable during different seasons of the year.
At such times, left unmanaged, they can accelerate the spread of a wildfire through your neighborhood, threatening homes, property and lives. All vegetation, naturally occurring and otherwise, is potential fuel for fire. Its type, amount and arrangement has a dramatic effect on fire behavior. In fact, where and how you plant may be more important than what you plant. However, given alternatives, choose plant species that tend to be more resistant to wildfire.