Fire-Resistant Landscape Design Plan
Fire-Resistant Landscape Design Plan / Defensible Space Plan / Wildlife Mitigation Plan / Fuel Modification Plan
Fires in California 2024
California has been grappling with increasingly severe wildfire seasons, a trend closely linked to global warming. In 2024, the state experienced 8,018 wildfires, which scorched approximately 1,049,963 acres. These fires resulted in the destruction of 1,980 structures and claimed one human life. (source: cdcr.ca.gov)
The escalation in wildfire intensity is largely attributed to climate change. Studies indicate that human-induced global warming has heightened the likelihood of extreme fire weather conditions by 35%, intensifying the severity of these events. (source: yaleclimateconnections.org)
This is further exacerbated by rising spring temperatures, which lead to earlier snowmelt, prolonged dry seasons, and increased vegetation desiccation, all contributing to a higher fire risk. (source: sfchronicle.com)
The current governmental systems and policies have struggled to effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by these escalating wildfires. The traditional approaches to fire management and urban planning are proving insufficient in the face of climate-induced changes. This inadequacy underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive reevaluation of our strategies, particularly concerning sustainable land and landscape management.
A pivotal aspect of this reevaluation involves transforming landscape design around properties. Implementing fire-resistant landscaping, creating defensible spaces, and selecting appropriate vegetation can significantly mitigate fire risks. By adopting these sustainable practices, communities can enhance their resilience against wildfires, contributing to a safer and more sustainable future.
Fire-resistant Landscape Design with LASD Studio
Fire-Resistant Landscape Strategies at LASD Studio
At LASD Studio, we take global warming and its impact on wildfires seriously. We recognize that the current permitting process in California consists of basic standard recommendations that need to be implemented. However, we believe that these measures are insufficient in the face of increasing wildfire threats. A more proactive and sustainable approach is essential to ensure the safety of properties and human lives. That is why we are developing and advocating for a more comprehensive fire-resistant landscape system. Below are some of the key strategies we implement.
1. Fire Protection Infrastructure
Dedicated Fire Sprinkler System: We recommend installing an independent fire sprinkler system with nozzles designed to resist clogging. Since these sprinklers are not in daily use and may not be regularly maintained, we propose using nozzles with larger water distribution rates to ensure functionality when needed.
On-Site Water Storage: We advise installing a water storage tank with a minimum capacity of 5,000 gallons to ensure water availability in the event of a fire. If the tank is above ground, it must be made of metal to withstand extreme heat. If installed underground, high-density plastic is a suitable alternative. Pools can also serve as an emergency water source.
2. Smart Landscape Architectural Design
The current San Diego County fire code outlines three home ignition zones to minimize fire risks:
Zone 0 – Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from structures)
This area must be composed entirely of non-combustible materials such as concrete, gravel, decomposed granite (DG), pavers, or river rock.
Firewood, lumber, dead vegetation, and any flammable debris must be completely removed.
Overhanging branches within 10 feet of chimneys or stovepipe outlets must be pruned.
Zone 1 – Intermediate Zone (5-50 feet from structures)
This area must contain low-growth, drought-tolerant, and fire-resistant plant species.
Plants should be arranged in a staggered or linear gradient, with heights starting at 6 inches near Zone 0 and reaching a maximum of 18 inches at the intersection with Zone 2.
Dead or dying vegetation, weeds, and pine needles must be regularly removed.
Trees must be spaced adequately, with lower branches pruned to at least 6 feet above the ground.
Zone 2 – Extended Zone (50-100 feet from structures)
This area consists of selective thinning of native vegetation to create spacing among trees and shrubs.
A minimum of 50% of dense chaparral must be removed.
Surface fuels, such as leaves, needles, and twigs, must be limited to a depth of 3 inches.
Annual grasses and ground covers must be trimmed to a maximum height of 4 inches.
Horizontal and vertical spacing must be maintained between shrubs and trees to prevent fire from spreading rapidly.
3. Enhanced Fire-Safe Landscaping Recommendations
We propose the following additional improvements to current fire codes to create a truly resilient fire-resistant landscape:
Extend Immediate Zone: We recommend expanding Zone 0 from 5 feet to a minimum of 10 feet from all habitable structures for enhanced fire protection.
Restrict Vegetation in Zone 0: Only succulents and other fire-resistant plants should be allowed within 5 feet of the building facade.
Firebreak Strips: Implement strips of crushed gravel, DG, or other non-flammable hardscape materials within the Intermediate and Extended Zones:
A 6-foot-wide firebreak inside Zone 1.
At least two such strips in Zone 2 to act as firebreaks.
A gravel strip along property lines to prevent fire from spreading between properties.
Alternative Mulching: Avoid the use of tree mulch, which can act as fuel. Instead, use gravel, crushed rock, or DG mulch between plants.
Tree Spacing and Pruning:
Trees must be mature and pruned to remove lower branches up to 6 feet from the ground.
Trees should be planted in clusters of 2-7 trees, with a minimum spacing equal to the canopy size of mature trees.
Bushes and Perennials Clustering:
Plantings should be arranged in small, independent clusters rather than continuous mass plantings.
Pathways, gravel, and hardscape features should be used between clusters to minimize fire spread.
A minimum of 6 feet of separation between vegetation clusters should be maintained.
4. Importance of Fire-Safe Plant Selection
Selecting the right plant species is crucial for wildfire prevention. At LASD Studio, we prioritize using native, drought-tolerant, and fire-resistant plants that require minimal maintenance and irrigation. Strategic placement and grouping of these plants further enhance fire protection.
30 Fire-Resistant Plants for Wildfire Prevention
Trees
Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak) – Evergreen oak with fire-resistant thick bark and drought tolerance.
Arbutus menziesii (Pacific Madrone) – Glossy evergreen leaves and fire-resistant smooth, peeling bark.
Platanus racemosa (California Sycamore) – Deciduous tree with fire-resistant, moist foliage.
Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle) – Small ornamental tree with high moisture content and minimal litter.
Cercis occidentalis (Western Redbud) – Drought-tolerant and fire-resistant with minimal leaf litter.
Fraxinus velutina (Arizona Ash) – Resistant to fire due to high water content in leaves.
Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple) – Deciduous tree with fire-resistant, broad leaves.
Olea europaea (Olive Tree) – Hardy evergreen with high moisture in its leaves.
Shrubs
Baccharis pilularis (Coyote Brush) – Native shrub with high water content and non-resinous leaves.
Rhus integrifolia (Lemonade Berry) – Dense evergreen with fire-resistant leathery leaves.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Blue Blossom Ceanothus) – Hardy and drought-resistant with minimal litter.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) – Fire-resistant due to thick, waxy leaves with high moisture.
Salvia leucophylla (Purple Sage) – Fire-resistant due to moisture-rich leaves and minimal litter.
Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) – Deciduous shrub with moist leaves and low fuel load.
Malosma laurina (Laurel Sumac) – Native, fire-adaptive shrub with fire-resistant traits.
Myrica californica (Pacific Wax Myrtle) – Dense evergreen with minimal flammability.
Lepechinia fragrans (Fragrant Pitcher Sage) – Aromatic but fire-resistant with high water content.
Carpenteria californica (Bush Anemone) – Low-growing, evergreen with fire-retardant properties.
Perennials & Groundcovers
Agave americana (Century Plant) – Thick, moisture-rich leaves make it highly fire-resistant.
Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat) – Fire-resistant, drought-tolerant groundcover.
Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer Grass) – Fire-resistant native grass with minimal litter.
Festuca californica (California Fescue) – Bunchgrass with low fire risk.
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) – Fire-resistant groundcover with high water content.
Sedum spathulifolium (Broadleaf Stonecrop) – Succulent, drought-tolerant, and highly fire-resistant.
Dudleya pulverulenta (Chalk Dudleya) – Fire-resistant succulent with minimal dead material.
Heuchera maxima (Island Alum Root) – Evergreen groundcover with high moisture content.
Iris douglasiana (Douglas Iris) – Fire-resistant with lush, moisture-rich leaves.
Sisyrinchium bellum (Blue-Eyed Grass) – Moist, fire-resistant perennial with low flammability.
Echeveria elegans (Mexican Snowball) – Succulent with high water retention and fire-resistant qualities.
Lantana montevidensis (Trailing Lantana) – Fire-resistant groundcover with drought tolerance.
The current fire safety regulations, while necessary, are not enough to protect properties from increasingly severe wildfires. A shift toward more sustainable and fire-resistant landscape design is imperative. By implementing these proactive measures, we can create landscapes that not only enhance aesthetic value but also safeguard lives and properties. At LASD Studio, we are committed to leading this change and setting new standards for fire-resilient landscape architecture.