Fire-Resistant Plants for Western Washington

Green 06.05.2025 0 Comments Add to Reading List

Fire-Resistant Plants for Western Washington

Creating a fire-resistant landscape in Western Washington is essential to reducing the risks of wildfires, especially in areas like the Puget Sound Basin. While no plant is completely fire-resistant, choosing species with specific characteristics can significantly increase your landscape's resilience.

Table of Contents

Fire-Resistant Plants for Western Washington. 1

Characteristics of Fire-Resistant Plants. 1

Plants to Avoid Near Structures. 2

Fire-Resistant Landscape Maintenance Tips. 2

Bainbridge Island Fire Department. 2

Station Locations. 2

Services and Programs. 2

Wildfire Preparedness. 3

Contact Information. 3

The World's Most Famous Fire-Resistant Plants. 3

The Best Fire-Resistant Plants (World-Recognized) 3

1. Agave spp. (Centennial Plant, Agave) 3

2. Aloe vera. 4

3. Lavandula spp. (Lavender) 4

4. Sedum spp. (Stonecrop) 4

5. Camellia japonica. 4

6. Cistus spp. (Rockrose) 4

7. Buxus sempervirens (Common Boxwood) 4

8. Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) 4

9. Ceanothus spp. (California Lilac - Choose Carefully) 4

10. Daylily spp. (Daily) 5

Avoid plants (extremely flammable) 5

Characteristics of Fire-Resistant Plants

Fire-resistant plants generally exhibit the following characteristics:
- High moisture content: Succulent or fleshy leaves that retain water.
- Low resin or oil content: Avoid plants with aromatic oils or resins, as they can be highly flammable.
- Minimize dead plant buildup: Periodically remove dead leaves and branches.
- Open branching structure: Allows for better air circulation and reduces fire spread.
- Slow-growing habit: Requires less frequent pruning to maintain a fire-resistant structure.

Recommended Fire-Resistant Plants for Western Washington

Tree

Western Larch (Larix occidentalis): A deciduous conifer with thick bark and high moisture content, making it one of the most fire-resistant conifers.
Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii): Mature trees develop thick, corky bark that provides fire resistance.

Shrubs

Symphoricarpos albus: A native shrub with high moisture content and low burning potential.
Red Dogwood (Cornus sericea): Known for its fire-resistant properties due to its moist, non-resinous trunks.

Perennial

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A drought-tolerant native plant with low flammability.
Common camasses (Camassia quamash): A moisture-loving bulbous plant that resists ignition.

Ground Cover

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): A low-growing evergreen ground cover with fire-resistant properties.
Oregon creeping grape (Mahonia repens): A native ground cover with leathery leaves and low flammability.

Plants to Avoid Near Structures

Some plants are highly flammable and should be avoided near homes and other structures:

Juniper (Juniperus spp.): Contains volatile oils that can ignite easily.
Thuja (Thuja spp.): Its dense foliage and resin content make it highly flammable.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.): High oil content increases fire risk.
Spruce (Picea spp.): Needles and resin contribute to flammability.

Fire-Resistant Landscape Maintenance Tips

Pruning Regularly: Remove dead or dying branches and leaves to reduce flammable material.
Proper Spacing: Ensure adequate space between plants to prevent fire spread.
Watering: Keep soil moist, especially in dry weather.
Debris Removal: Clear the landscape of fallen leaves, needles, and other flammable materials.

Bainbridge Island Fire Department

The Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD) is a combined fire department serving the city of Bainbridge Island, Washington. It includes paid and volunteer members who respond to emergencies and participate in community risk decrease labors.

Station Locations

BIFD operates three strategically located fire stations:

Station 21 (Headquarters)
- 8895 Madison Avenue NE
- Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Station 22
- 7934 NE Bucklin Hill Road
- Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Station 23
- 12985 Phelps Road NE
- Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Each station is designed to provide an initial response to incidents, with additional resources dispatched as needed.

Services and Programs

BIFD offers many services aimed at protecting lives, property, and the environment:

Emergency Response: Fire control, emergency medical services, and rescue operations.
Fire Prevention and Safety Education: Programs such as CPR/AED classes, "Stop the Bleed" training, and home safety tips.
Community Risk Reduction: Initiatives such as wildfire preparedness, fall prevention, and chimney fire awareness.
Public Outreach: Engagement through KIDS ZONE, partnerships with local organizations, and participation in community events.

Wildfire Preparedness

Recognizing the threat of wildfires, especially during the dry summer months, BIFD emphasizes proactive measures:
- Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP): An updated plan (2022/2025) outlines strategies to reduce the risk of wildfires.
- Ready, Set, Go! Program: Guidance on evacuation preparedness and response.
- Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Recommended fire-resistant landscaping plants and practices.
- Wildfire Response and Evacuation Plan: Detailed procedures for addressing wildfire hazards.

Contact Information

Phone: (206) 842-7686
Fax: (206) 451-2005
Headquarters Address:
Station 21, 8895 Madison Avenue NE
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Website: www.bifd.org

For specific inquiries, you can contact key personnel:

Fire Chief: Jared Moravec
Fire Chief: Jackie Purvis - (206) 451-2033
Fire Protection Technician: Christy Willow dark - (206) 451-2035
Community Risk Reduction Coordinator: Jeanine Courtemanche - (206) 451-2031

For the latest updates, safety tips, and information on community programs, please visit the official Bainbridge Island Fire Department website.

The World's Most Famous Fire-Resistant Plants

Here is a list of the world's most famous fire-resistant plants, known for their resilience and widespread use in landscaping to respond to fires in different climates. Although no plant is completely fireproof, these species are world-renowned for their low flammability, moist foliage, and non-resinous properties.

The Best Fire-Resistant Plants (World-Recognized)

1. Agave spp. (Centennial Plant, Agave)

Native to: Mexico and the southwestern United States
Succulent with high water content
Ideal for dry, fire-prone areas like California and Australia.

2. Aloe vera

Native to: North Africa, widely cultivated worldwide.

The moist, fleshy leaves store water.

Rarely burns; It is commonly used near firebreaks in Mediterranean areas.

3. Lavandula spp. (Lavender)

Location: Mediterranean
Fragrant, yet surprisingly fire-resistant due to its open structure and low resin content.
Thrives in dry, fire-prone climates, such as southern Europe and Australia.

4. Sedum spp. (Stonecrop)

Location: Global (different climates)
Low-growing succulent
Perfect for green roofs and urban firebreaks.

5. Camellia japonica

Native to: East Asia, popular worldwide
Waxy, moist leaves
Common in subtropical fire-wart gardens

6. Cistus spp. (Rockrose)

Location: Mediterranean
Fire-resistant varieties exist, but some resinous varieties can be flammable: choose non-resinous varieties.
Firebreak is popular in southern Europe and California.

7. Buxus sempervirens (Common Boxwood)

Location: Europe, Asia
Dense, leathery leaves with low resin content.
Often used in fireproof formal landscaping.

8. Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)

Location: Mediterranean
Evergreen tree with dense leaves and bark.
Excellent firebreak tree; used in Spain, Portugal, and California.

9. Ceanothus spp. (California Lilac - Choose Carefully)

Native: Western North America
Some low-growing species (e.g., Ceanothus griseus horizontals) are fire-resistant.
Used in California for defensible spaces in dry coastal areas.