Designing for Fire Resistance

Designing fire-resistant landscapes has become more important in California than ever before.  

Fires have always been a natural aspect of the landscape in the state. However, climate change and expanded development into wildlife-urban interface areas have made wildfires a more prevalent danger in vulnerable residential areas.  

BRLA is a contributing member of the Design Leadership Network’s Fire Rebuilding Committee for Pacific Palisades and Altadena, a multidisciplinary design group working toward developing fire-wise design solutions for the array of architectural styles these two communities were known for.  Our expertise in this area will be used to guide the design of new homes that not only meet code but also serve as models for distinctive, visually rich and inventive fire-adapted design.  

Benner Reibel Landscape Architects is well-versed in methods to create a landscape that is better able to resist the spread of fire to your home.  Designing fire-resistant landscapes involves well-informed assessment of fire risks and educated planning in areas such as:

• Fire-wise plant selection and strategic placement of plants and trees;

• Creating defensible spaces and fire- resistant zones with stone walls, patios and roadways;

• Landscape maintenance practices including reduction of flammable vegetation and efficient but effective irrigation to ensure a green belt of healthy plants.  

We bring these ideas to our landscape design work in vulnerable fire areas and are happy to consult on creating a fire-resistant strategy for your garden.