Glossary

firewise

A Firewise landscape is intentionally designed and maintained to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to people, property, and habitat.

This includes clearing dry leaf litter and dead branches near structures, creating space between plants and buildings, and selecting species with fire-resistant traits, such as moist foliage, low oil content, and slow-burning growth forms.

In fire-prone regions like the Santa Cruz Mountains, Firewise plants can help create buffers that reduce fire intensity and increase defensibility without sacrificing habitat value.

Firewise landscaping is not a substitute for defensible space or preparedness, but it can be part of a long-term strategy to live more safely and sustainably with fire.

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