FireSmart plant. (Photo credit: FireSmart BC)

By Pete McIntyre

FireSmart

Fire-resistant plants can help reduce fire risk: City of Vernon

Jul 6, 2023 | 12:30 PM

The type of plants you have around your yard can make a big difference when it comes to protecting properties from wildfires.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) and the City of Vernon are asking residents to consider FireSmart plant options when looking to spruce up their yards or properties.

People are encouraged to look for the tag ‘This is a FireSmart plant’ when out shopping for flowers, shrubs and trees.

“While there are no fire-proof plants, there are FireSmart options that are less prone to burning than others,” Wes Brassard, FireSmart coordinator, said. “By making the right strategic choices in your yard, you can make your property more resilient to fire, which better protects your home, family and community.”

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What makes a plant fire-resistant?

• Moist, supple leaves (ignite and burn slower)
• Minimal dead wood or accumulated dead material
• Open branching habits (less fuel for fire)
• Fewer total branches and leaves (less fuel for fire)
• Slower growing habits (less pruning required)
• Water-like sap with little or no odour, or lower amounts of sap or resin material

What makes a plant highly flammable?

• Contains fine, dry, dead material within the plant such as twigs, needles, or leaves
• Loose papery bark
• Stems, branches or leaves containing volatile waxes, terpenes or oils
• Aromatic or strong-smelling leaves when crushed, or gummy/resinous sap

To help residents learn more about fire-resistant plantings and the FireSmart BC Plant Program, Brassard will be at Nicholas Alexander Home and Garden Centre at 6325 Highway 97 on Saturday, July 8, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a special FireSmart event.

Residents of Vernon are invited to ask Brassard questions about the program and how to book a free FireSmart property assessment.

You can also find more information on how to FireSmart your property at www.firesmartbc.ca.