Record-breaking heatwaves and continued drought have put many places across the country at risk of wildfires. That threat is ever-present across Oklahoma, too, especially for homeowners who live where developed communities meet grasslands, forests and other natural areas.
These areas are known as the Wildland-Urban Interface, or WUI. Many subdivisions and small communities surrounding Oklahoma’s urban centers fall into this category. Simply put, a WUI can be found anywhere the more manicured, controlled environment of a city or town meets the countryside.
When a fire starts in grass, brush or trees, it can quickly spread into developed areas. In severe situations, wildfires can damage or destroy multiple homes and impact entire neighborhoods.
While homeowners can’t control every wildfire threat, they can take steps in their landscapes to reduce the amount of fuel surrounding their homes. A key aspect of protecting homes is creating and maintaining a landscape designed to slow the spread of fire.
The landscape should be divided into four zones, with the zone nearest the home receiving the greatest attention. In zone 1, maintain a well-irrigated landscape around the structure and allow adequate space for fire suppression equipment in the event of an emergency. Limit plantings to carefully spaced fire-resistant trees and shrubs.
Don’t stack flammable items near the house. It can be handy to have a stack of firewood on the porch, but firewood should be stacked farther away.
Raking/mulching leaves is typically a fall task, but the dry weather and heat have caused trees to drop leaves early. Piles of leaves in the landscape are fuel, especially leaves that build up against the walls of a home. Piles of limbs and pine needles should also be removed.
As the landscape extends farther from the home into zones 2-4, be vigilant about removing/reducing potential fuels. Homeowners may need to selectively thin vegetation and remove highly flammable plants and accumulated debris. It’s a good idea to keep grass and weeds mowed and remove dead or dense vegetation within at least 30 feet of the home.
Of course, homeowners want beautiful plants in the landscape. To accomplish this, choose plants with higher moisture content. Avoid highly flammable plants containing resins, oils or waxes near the home.
Keep tree canopies trimmed, especially trees that are closely spaced. Remove lower branches to create separation between ground-level vegetation and the tree canopy. If possible, remove some trees to create space between them. Remember, one spark on one tree can set all the trees alight.
When planting new trees and shrubs, space them so the canopies won’t touch to keep a potential fire from moving tree to tree.
The goal of Firewise landscaping is not necessarily to eliminate all vegetation around a home. Instead, the goal is to create a landscape that is less likely to carry fire directly to the structure.
Many Oklahomans have witnessed the destructive power of wildfire, but it is important to remember that fire is a natural part of many ecosystems. Wildfire and prescribed fire, however, are not the same thing.
While wildfires can be unpredictable, taking steps to create and maintain a Firewise landscape can help reduce the risk to homes and property. By managing vegetation, reducing available fuels and maintaining a healthy landscape, homeowners can play an important role in making their homes and communities better prepared for wildfire.
Check out this episode of “Oklahoma Gardening” for more information about Firewise landscaping.