UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION • (^9)
Ideally, the area within at least 30 feet of the house should emphasize landscape
plants that are difficult to ignite by burning embers, and if ignited, do not produce
sufficient heat to ignite the house. These plants should be routinely maintained to
keep them healthy, vigorous, and free of dead material. (Note: Wood and shred-
ded rubber mulches can be a fuel source and should not be used within 3 feet of the
house.)
REDUCE THE FIRE HAZARD ∙ PART 1
Oakland Hills Fire,
California 1991
2,449 homes destroyed
and 25 lives lost
“The juniper and cedar are
mostly present as ornamental
vegetation around many
homes. A dry-climate species,
the juniper also ignites easily
and burns intensely. Cedars
are similar. Placement of
these and other ornamental
vegetation adjacent to
combustible portions of the
homes was a significant
ignition scenario in this
fire.”
Oakland Berkeley Hills Fire
National Fire Protection Association
30’
The area extending at least 30 feet
from the house should emphasize
lawn, conservation grasses, mulches,
rock, and low-growing shrubs. Avoid
placing mass plantings of shrubs and
trees within 30 feet of the house.
If evergreen shrubs and trees are
desired, locate them at least 30
feet from the house.
nandana
(Nandana)
#1