hardscapes can increase fire safety, water security – when right sized
September 2023. By Isara Ongwiseth: Whether it’s to save water or protect ourselves from fire, Angelenos often turn to creating a more-built environment when we are gripped by a sense of emergency. Often the preference comes from thinking if a little of something is good, more is better. Why not seek “just right”?
When it comes to hard spaces in our landscapes, we need just enough. Just enough for convenience. Just in particular spaces for fire protection. Just “soft” enough to sink water. Just “rough” enough to catch embers. Here is what that looks like.
Create an Ember Resistant Zone 0
It’s essential to keep the five feet closest to homes, our Zone 0s, free of flammable materials and to have ember resistant materials at the foundation of the home. Just what CalFire considers ember resistant might surprise you! Well-hydrated, non-woody foliage is ember resistant. So are the trunks of well-established trees (exceptions: palms or cypress). What they will not allow are synthetic turfs; mulch; or wood gates, piles or storage structures.
Tip: Having a skirt of ember resistant gravel, decomposed granite, pavers and/or concrete is one of the best things we can do for our safety. It can be both stylish and really convenient! See Examples
Reduce Expansive “Hardscapes”
Driveways, as well as paths and patios can provide fire breaks and “defensible space,” space where fire-fighters can be safe from trip hazards and fire while defending our homes. Beyond that, large gravelscapes and intensely hardscaped areas create free-space for embers to fly, bounce and roll toward homes. This is more dangerous than having well-hydrated, well-maintained foliage spaced and placed to inhibit ember travel.
Tip: Maintain or plant well spaced, placed, ideally native, foliage supported by irrigation rather than gravel or hardscaping large areas. In addition to increasing your safety, it will reduce heat, and save energy as well as money.
Pick Permeable Materials
In addition to flying through open space, embers will bounce and roll. Like any ball, their roll can be slowed and redirected by bumps, by rough surfaces. The same materials and strategies we use to ensure our gardens sink as much stormwater as possible can also inhibit ground-level ember travel.
Tip: Pick materials that can slow embers, sink water, and enhance your curb appeal! Consider permeable concrete, gravel, pavers with stone or foliage joints, or decomposed granite for patios and paths.
More Information
For a deeper understanding of the protective role of foliage, we recommend this tutorial from the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Cassy Aoyagi walks through how we applied these best practices at a variety of LA area homes in our Fire Defensive Tours and Tips Playlist in YouTube.
Further Reading
Think Home First
Get Safer in 5 Steps
Take 10 Fire Defensive Actions
Store These Items to Defend from Fire
Catch Fire with Trees
Fight Fire without Water