By Pauline Hammerbeck It's been a doozy of a wildfire season
(Colorado's most destructive ever), leaving homeowners wondering
what safety measures they can put in place to stave off flames
in the event of a fire in their own neighborhood. Landscaping,
it turns out, can be an important measure in wildfire
protection. But fire-wise landscaping isn't just something for
those dwelling on remote Western hilltops. Brush, grass and
forest fires occur nearly everywhere in the United States, says
the National Fire Protection Association. Here's how your
landscaping can help keep you safe. Create 'defensible' space
Most homes that burn during a wildfire are ignited by embers
landing on the roof, gutters, and on decks and porches. So your
first point of action should be creating a defensible space, a
buffer zone around your home, to reduce sources of fuel. Start
by keeping the first 3 to 5 feet around your home free of all
flammable materials and vegetation: plants, shrubs, trees and
grasses, as well as bark and other o