FIRESCAPING YOUR HOME by Adrienne Edwards and Rachel Schleiger is "A Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country." The first inside picture is beautiful – hills covered with trees and grasses with a suburban-like street in the foreground – but it could also be dangerous in this age of increasing temperatures, burn bans, and drought. Edwards and Schleiger offer perspective about fire and its dangers while also focusing on habitat and providing useful information on what to plant, where, and when. Their comments and extensive charts, however, are focused on plants (trees, shrubs, and grasses) indigenous to the West Coast, specifically for Washington State, Oregon or California environs, although some points (reduced wildlife habitat, increased erosion, fewer natural windbreaks) do also apply generally. They discuss, for example, the use of succulent gardens which can be both fire resistant and drought tolerant. A different section outlines how to determine prevailing wind patterns where you live. They also provide links to national databases and maps like the Understand Risk web page, the FEMA’s Wildfire web page, and Risk Factor from First Street Foundation. Throughout, Edwards and Schleiger include numerous colorful photos and drawings, diagrams, and highlighted, boxed summaries. There is a wealth of information in the text itself as well as several pages with suggested Resources and Further Reading, Source Notes, and an Index spanning a dozen pages. Definitely recommended for its information, attractive presentation, and accessibility.

A few suggested links:
https://wildfirerisk.org/reduce-risk/evacuation-readiness/
https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/wildfire
https://riskfactor.com/

The subtitle for this book is: "A Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country." I think that is a pertinent addition because climate change is causing more of our landscapes to fit in that category. In the preface, both authors describe their personal experiences with fires. It's enough to make one want to read on.

One striking feature of this book is the abundance of beautiful photographs of neighborhoods, plants and their landscapes. It adds some positivity to a topic that might be rather depressing. I also liked that this book was written for the lay person, though it has an abundance of accurate science within. Periodically, one finds a "Key Terms" box that highlights some of the terminology used in the book. It's a great way to educate people without it seeming too overwhelming. Other boxes provide resources where additional information can be found.

To say this book is comprehensive seems like an understatement! It covers all aspects of fire prevention, from the basics of what causes a fire and how it spreads to assessing risk to methods for protecting one's home to landscaping. It's not just about the landscape, though there's a significant section that lists plants that are more resistant to fire.

Thank you NetGalley and Timber Press for sending and electronic copy of this book for review consideration. I'm going to order a copy to keep and use. It is a resource everyone should have.

This book says some really weird things. Apparently wildfires are just like rain and they aren't "devastating" if they don't damage structures.. umm, what? 😑

"Larger wildfires are not, per se, bad for landscapes when structures are not in harm's way."

"..fire is an inevitable process, like rain.."

However, shortly after admits that 85% of wildfires are caused by humans.. making them very UNLIKE rain!

It's lucky for the authors that most people skip the introduction in books, but I didn't.

didn't read the whole book, just skimmed and checked the index to confirm local relevance before purchasing.

I shoved this one up my reading list after noticing news stories on local and state fire crews training for the upcoming fire season. As too many know personally, fire season can start in the blink of an eye, so seemed like a good idea to share this book now, not later.

Albeit it targets the Pacific Northwest, much of the information shared is relevant to most areas. The authors, however, do note that one needs to focus on local conditions and trends, whether deciding where to build (or not build) or deciding what materials, not to mention plants, trees, grasses, etc, would be most helpful where you live. Although I'll admit I was expecting more of a cut-and-dried "If....do this" type format, the authors make a point of explaining the "why" behind their cautions and suggestions. Both authors, I'll note, have had frightening encounters with fire in their own lives and their genuine concern shines through.

I won't attempt to detail the info. I'll just say it's obviously well-researched and based on fact. Again, as noted, the authors point out that what is appropriate in one area, whether building or the likes of the flowers you use, may not work in another place. In other words, what would work in the cooler mountains of the Pacific Northwest probably wouldn't even grow as well in the hot climate of, say, Arizona. Yes, building materials are building materials but your buffer line of nature varies. Native plants are usually the best choice.

That said, they do an excellent job offering info on everything from deck styles and the impact of urban planning and climate change to how to pick and start the selected new growth. Maybe more important for those without a natural green thumb, they show and tell us how to maintain such growth.The book is nicely illustrated with color photos as well as boxed lists, charts, and illustrations. Example? How to prune trees and bushes. Something everyone can take from the book no matter their location. Also, they point out that fast growing plants are more flammable than slow growing types. Heck, they even explain how to tell if your plants need water. Having over-watered way more than I care to admit, I learned something.

Bottom line, particularly if you're in the Pacific NW, I highly recommend this book. For those who don't, you'll find it useful, with suggestions that can be used anywhere. I'll also note that both on and offline resources are included, as well as source notes and an extensive index. Get this book. Fire season isn't that far away, alas.

Thanks #NetGalley and #TimberPress for sharing this great resource book with me. While I've never been impacted by wildfire, I've had it come close and know people who lost homes to them. Kudos to the authors for trying to help us all stay safer.

Really enjoyed reading this book. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I find myself worrying about wildfires every summer now. They are just becoming so prevalent. The author does a very good job of explaining fire behavior and just how fire can enter your home. She provides great advice on how to build your home to minimize the fire risk, and how to landscape your grounds to do the same. I will be buying copies of this book to give to several of my friends who live in Eastern Washington (where the fires become rampant every year now). I hope it helps them!