8. Replace wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks with nonflammable materials.
Consider putting in a stone or concrete patio instead of a deck, and perhaps metal fencing in place of wood.
“Hardscaping is a good way to break up the continuity of vegetative fuels, such as grasses, plants, and shrubs,” says Steinberg. “Think about little flames creeping across the grass: when they hit a cement walkway they’re going to stop, as there’s nothing left to burn.” Fire-resistant materials are also a good choice for patio furniture, swing sets, and the like.
9. Be careful with your fire pit.
“There’s no one season for fire risk across the country,” Steinberg says. “It may seem unlikely, but we get a lot of brush fires in Massachusetts in April. People will say, ‘It’s a nice warm spring day, let’s light up the fire pit in the backyard.’ They’re not aware that wind can pick up embers and carry them away, and in dry conditions that can lead to fire.” Steinberg’s advice: Use a fire pit with extreme caution, and not before checking with the National Weather Service to see if a fire warning has been issued for your area.
10. Use common sense.
Do we even need to say this? Make sure your hoses are in good shape for use in an emergency. Store firewood well away from the house. In fire season, refuel your lawn mower far from flammable materials. And don’t keep propane tanks near the house.
For more information about fire-safe gardening, go to Firewise USA.
N.B.: This post is an update; it was first published in 2020.
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