All the warnings about creating defensive space around rural homes to slow wildfires became moot in the Almeda Drive Fire in September 2020. Because the fire burned down suburban homes, not isolated houses in the sticks.
The events of Almeda Drive and other urban fires raise questions about local vegetation and how it burns. Chris Adlam at Oregon State University Extension has been studying the questions and reporting on his findings.
We pick his brain about plants--especially native plants--and how they can help or hinder a fire when it heads for our homes.