Fire preventive landscaping is a frequently neglected area of safety for commercial properties. While other preventive measures like fire hydrants, extinguishers and even fire safety plans are usually in place, not many companies include fire preventive landscaping on their safety checklist.
All areas in California should have some concern about wildfires threatening your property. Property owners are becoing more aware that your landscape can actually be a safeguard and preventive measure against possible disaster.
Improper landscaping can greatly increase the risk of structure and property damage from fire. While planning and designing your fire preventive landscape, property owners should ensure the following:
- Create a secure space around the structure that helps to reduce the intensity of the fire and keep it away from the building
- Use fire-resistant plants in the landscaping that hinders the fuel source of a fire
- Incorporate structural elements in the design around the buildings like walkways, retaining walls and concrete or flagstone decks and patios that deter the spread of fire
- Use of proper irrigation systems to keep critical areas properly watered for reduced risk
The use of these and other safety features designed into your commercial property landscaping can save your property, or give you more time to protect it if a wildfire emerges in your area.