The concern for 'fire wise' landscaping has been growing because of recent devastating fires in western states. The Mid-Columbia Community Forestry Council is addressing these concerns by providing access to current standards in landscape design that are effective in preventing wildfire damage to homes and buildings. These standards reduce the likelihood that buildings will be set alight by flying embers, burning trees and branches, dry vegetation, wood fencing, flammable foundation plantings, and flammable ground covers, should a wildfire approach your property. Please give special attention to plants listed as "Do Not Plant" because they ignite quickly and burn hot and fast, making them especially dangerous near homes and outbuildings. The documents also give prevention tips that reduce the fire danger when you have trees and hedges near a building, such as those needed for shade or blocking the wind.

The documents below can be viewed and downloaded free of charge. The 'firewise' information here was assembled at the request of the Kennewick Fire Chief. We appreciate Washington State University Extension Service, Master Garden Program of Chelan/Douglas County for their agreement to link to their websites.

Preparing Homes for Wildfire, a comprehensive website full of information on how to protect your property from wildfires, produced by the National Fire Protection Association.
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire

Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes. A Pacific Northwest Extension publication,
Oregon State University, Washington State University, University of Idaho, PNW 590, August 2006.
http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/administrative_report_or_publications/pr76f369j

Fire Resistant Plants for Chelan/Douglas Washington: A Step-by-Step Guide for Choosing the Right Plant for the Right Place. Washington State University Extension, Master Gardener Program for Chelan/Douglas Counties
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2086/2018/01/fireresistantplants2017.pdf

Beware of Arborvitae Plant Torches!
Washington State University Extension, Master Gardener Program for Chelan/Douglas Counties
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2086/2019/10/arborvitaealternatives.pdf