 This program deals with maintaining landscaped properties in fire-prone areas known as the wildland-urban interface. What were once wildland forests, fields and pastures are now businesses, highways and homes. Whether simple cabins, mobile homes or large expensive developments, many are constructed in the wakes of past fires and in the path of future fires. In areas where wildfires have occurred naturally for centuries, homes and gardens now add fuels that can accelerate the spread of fire. Landscaping can help protect property and lives from wildfire. Because the landscape is constantly changing, proper maintenance is the key to keeping landscaping fire-wise. Landscapes that are easy to maintain are more desirable than highly complex arrangements that may be neglected. Over time, plants grow and spread, mulches dry out, leaves and pine needles accumulate. All contribute to the fuels which can accelerate a wildfire. Proper maintenance improves the appearance of plants and helps protect the structure from wildfire. Fire needs fuel, something to burn, like grass, trees or the homes nestled among them. To an interface fire, homes and other structures become merely fuel. Fires start easily and burn rapidly in light fuels like dry grasses. These in turn provide a path to larger fuels like trees. Once at the base of a tree, fire can move into low branches and climb to the top or crown. This arrangement, known as ladder fuels, provides wildfire a path along which to grow and spread. Interrupting a potential fire's path is a primary concern in maintaining the property and the landscape. A fire-wise landscape is a healthy landscape, one whose plants are durable, fire-resistant, compatible with the terrain and climate and well maintained. When plants dry out, they become more flammable. Proper watering is therefore essential. The results of overwatering and underwatering can be the same. Damaged plants and increased flammable litter. Irrigation systems, whether drip or spray, play an important role in maintaining the health of plants, shrubs and trees. If an irrigation system is not working effectively, vegetation may become stressed and dry, providing wildfire a way to spread to other vegetation. Familiarity with the system, along with routine inspection and maintenance, is necessary to keep the landscape in top condition. As trees grow, careful pruning preserves their appearance, structural integrity and functional values. But pruning also maintains its ability to resist fire. Pruning tree branches at least 6 to 10 feet from the ground helps interrupt the fire's path. Pruning cuts should be clean and smooth, avoiding flush cuts and stumps. A well-pruned tree heals quickly, while poor pruning results in scarring and possible disease. No more than one-third of a tree's live foliage should be removed at one time to avoid stress. Young, vigorous trees can withstand more severe pruning than older, weaker trees. Remove dead and diseased branches from trees. This reduces the potential for fire spreading into the crown. Shrubs should be well-spaced to break up the fire ladder and keep the vegetation density low. Except for formal clipped or sheared shrubs, shrubs should be maintained by thinning, maintaining size and removing excess leaf litter. Vines and ground covers can build up a heavy underbrush of dead leaves and branches, which should be removed to lessen fuel for fire. Remove or mow dry grasses, weeds and underbrush. A mulch over bare soil can provide many benefits, while adding little fire risk. Even in healthy landscapes, the build-up of leaf litter and other debris can give fires a chance to start under porches and decks and on roofs. Brush and cuttings from landscape maintenance create another fire hazard. This debris should be promptly and legally disposed of, leaving a clean, neat landscape. Sometimes fuels for wildfires can be found under decks and porches. Store firewood well away from other combustible materials. Fertilizing and pest control is also important for maintaining healthy and therefore fire-wise landscapes. The safe fueling and regular maintenance of garden equipment, careful disposal of smoking materials, and the proper storage and use of flammable liquids and combustible materials are important to maintaining the fire-wise landscape design. Regular maintenance of equipment has the dividend of continued use for many years, but there is also a fire-wise benefit. Besides properly using and refueling lawn and garden equipment, each piece should be properly maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Without proper maintenance, an engine can overheat. A heated engine can start a fire. Remove dry grass and leaves from around the engine. Before refueling, allow the engine to cool, even if for only a few minutes. Refuel in an area away from vegetation. Refueling on level ground will help avoid spills. Gasoline fumes can travel several feet, even from a small spill. If the fumes reach a nearby source of ignition, a fire can flash over the surface and back to the spill instantly. In addition, any gasoline or oil-soaked rags should be stored in a closed, airtight container. Be cleaned and dried, or be properly disposed. Fire officials recommend that an approved fire extinguisher be available at all times and that everyone knows how to safely use it. One of the most readily available sources of ignition for fire is as close as the flick of a wrist. If smoking is allowed on the site, make sure that precautions are taken to properly handle this common source of ignition. Store oils, gasoline, and other flammables in safe containers, kept in well-ventilated areas. Treat these as carefully as you would fire itself. In case of fire, notify the local fire department immediately, and a delay can result in tragedy. Your state or local authorities may have specific requirements for one or more of the following. Clearance distances for brush and other flammable vegetation, disposal of debris, and fire safety requirements for equipment. Check with local authorities on these and related issues. Even though they may be designed and installed according to sound principles, landscapes change continuously. Your careful maintenance will ensure the landscape's beauty, enhance the environment, and maintain its value as an investment in a fire-wise future.