The wildland-urban interface (WUI) is the area where human communities meet natural habitats. Because of the unique, fire adapted ecology of many natural ecosystems in California, building homes in these areas comes with major risks of wildfire. More than 11 million people live in the WUI in California alone, which means more than a quarter of the state’s population is living in a high fire hazard zone. As development continues to encroach on wildlands, the WUI is expanding rapidly, threatening fragile habitats and increasing the likelihood of fire due to human ignition.
Many properties within the WUI have strict brush clearance regulations designed to protect homes and properties. While these efforts do have impacts on the local ecosystem, there are ways to reduce that impact while still protecting properties. Theodore Payne Foundation's Executive Director Evan Meyer shares how Theodore Payne Foundation in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles manages it’s landscape to conform with local safety regulations, while keeping some native vegetation intact to create wildlife corridors and support pollinators, and provide habitat. Please check with your local fire officials for your specific requirements, and always consult with a professional when it comes to wildfire safety. Los Angeles brush clearance information can be found here: www.lafd.org/fire-prevention/...
This video was filmed on a hot, windy, high fire-risk day. We apologize for less than perfect audio.
To learn more, check out these links:
Rethinking Wildfire Resilience bit.ly/3OEKINY Digital Guide Download bit.ly/39W416N
or stop by our headquarters in Sun Valley to pick-up a free copy. For more information on classes and resources contact us at info@theodorepaynefoundation.org.
This program was made possible in part by Edison International.
Video: Hannah Perez
Photography: Hannah Perez
Additional Photo & Video : Marie Astrid Gonzalez
Project Director: Maryanne Pittman
Executive Editor: Evan Meyer