Firescaping: Creating Fire-Resistant Landscapes, Gardens, and Properties in California's Diverse Environments

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Berkeley, California (January, 2005) Considered the most flammable state in the US, California has a fire season that lasts eight months, with one in four residents at risk of encountering a wildfire. Since 1990, 53 lives and more than 11,000 structures have been lost in the State to wildfires, costing individuals, and local and state economies millions of dollars. Many homes are landscaped and gardened in a way that actually increases the risk of wildfire damage. Wilderness Press is pleased to announce the publication of Firescaping, Creating fire-resistant landscapes, gardens, and properties in California???s diverse environments, a practical, hands-on guide to help lower that risk. Its fresh, reality-based perspective gives simple, achievable strategies for those who want to reduce their garden???s fire hazard, while promoting its long-term health and function. This book describes what types of properties and landscapes are higher-risk, how to make a home more accessible to fire-fighters, and what to do to minimize the chances that a home will be damaged or destroyed by a wildfire. It covers fire-safe fencing and roofing materials, has tips on using water efficiently, gives best methods of effective vegetation removal, and provides versatile and comprehensive plant lists and maintenance calendars useful for those living in California???s diverse climate zones. Includes two-color diagrams and illustrations. Professionals from fire-protection agencies as wellas landscape and architecture experts have contributed to Firescaping, to make it a complete and essential resource.While the book includes specific plant lists and climate information for California, any Western homeowner who lives in an area that is at risk for wildfires needs a copy of this book. It is an essential resource for landscape architects, landscapers, developers, community leaders, and groups concerned with minimizing the risk of fire to their neighborhoods.