protecting your home from wildfires involves electrifying exterior elements and strategically managing your landscape. With careful planning, you can mitigate fire risks and increase your property’s chance of surviving. Incorporate the strategies listed in this section to create a safe, resilient landscape.

‍electrify exterior elements

use electric-powered systems for exterior heating elements like patios, walkways, and gutters. Electric systems are easier to control and eliminate direct combustion, reducing the likelihood of igniting nearby flammable materials.

but the best way to protect your home is to reduce the amount of flammable materials in the area immediately around it (the “home ignition zone”). This will greatly increase the chances of a home surviving a wildfire.

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priority should be given to the home’s design and the area within 100 feet of it. Be strategic about choosing fire-resistant materials, nearby vegetation, furniture, and firewise designs for other structures such as attachments, decks, fences, and outbuildings. 

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3 easy ways to reduce fire hazards

1. use non-combustible materials to create firebreaks.
2. keep your landscape maintained, mow the lawn, and prune trees and shrubs.
3. store combustible materials at least 30 feet away from your home.

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looking for more info on Firewise safety? Check out Big Sky Fire’s website.

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firewise landscape management by zone

review defensible space in the previous section and incorporate the additional elements listed below. 

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maintaining defensible space

• zone 1 (Immediate Zone): some text
  • install Hardscapes
  • regularly remove combustible dead material
• zone 2 (Intermediate Zone): some text
  • remove dead plants
  • ensure branches are at least 10 feet away from other trees
  • place furniture and flammable materials away from structures
• zone 3 (Extended Zone): some text
  • mow grass no higher than four inches
  • ensure adequate space between ground plants and trees
  • maintain clear areas around structures like sheds and propane tanks

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vegetation management

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• regularly prune trees and keep plants trimmed 
• use non-combustible mulch options or ones that retain moisture
• thin and space vegetation
• position trees away from structures
• remove excess brush and small trees from zone 1 
• choose firewise plants that thrive in Big Sky
• frequently check your landscape

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for more information on implementing firewise plants, maintaining your landscape, and creating a firewise lawn, visit Alpenscapes.org.

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hardscaping

hardscaping refers to non-living landscape elements that can protect your home from wildfires by creating breaks in the landscape, reduce the risk of ignition, and slow an oncoming wildfire. These elements are typically made of concrete, gravel, stone, composite, brick, and metal.

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elements

• retaining walls
• terrace gardens 
• driveways
• walkways and pathways
• decks
• patios

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hardscaping is a great way to create a functional landscape and protect your Big Sky community. Consider what hardscaping elements you could incorporate to enhance your landscape. 

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Resources

• Alpenscapes
• Fire Adapted Big Sky Hub

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