Garden design can reduce wildfire risk and drive more sustainable co-existence with wildfire

The aim of the paper is to address the increasing frequency and severity of destructive wildfire disasters by exploring the concept of defensible space around homes, particularly in wildland and rural-urban interfaces.

In concluding, it is important to note that even though the scientific literature provides a lot of support for the design elements of defensible space, current studies are generally localized. Recommendations such as reducing or eliminating the amount of fuel near houses, and managing connection and vegetation type in the intermediate and outer zones were common across all regions reviewed. However, what they point out is that there is a great need for new empirical and modeling studies so as to optimize the extent of zoning around homes as well as to understand better how garden structure, species diversity, moisture levels among others impact on fire ignition via embers, radiant heat, or flames.