The Pacific Northwest is becoming less amenable to the old ways of the temperate, evergreen rainforest, and more inclined to be chaparral. There is probably no sense in denying that, even if we mourn the lush, beautiful forests and humane climate. Just as a person goes through stages of life, that can't be reversed, so is this region and much of the planet. This change should not be news to anyone - as a species, in many cultures, continents, faiths, and economies, humanity has made this choice. The information has been out there for a generation. So we need to adapt to what we have created.
The fir trees, spruces, pines, can't survive this dry climate. They turn into tinder, and burn explosively across the vast forests. This is also not new, although it's much more extensive now and the effects and dangers are much greater.
I'm all for trying to stop the human contribution to climate change. I re-purpose, up-cycle, repair, restore, reduce, and try to be thoughtful about my decisions. I am also realistic regarding the futility of one caring person's effort, like a poppy seed in the cosmos. I still do it, but I know - the corporations, the populists, the teeming developing mega-nations - they won't change.
So we also have to thoughtfully adapt. You really can't intelligently live in a forest fire zone, and have a house nestled among towering fir trees, no matter how pretty and cozy it is. That will become a spreader event for wildfires. You can't have evergreen "landscape cushions" up against the house. Or directly under fir or pine trees (I have a couple like this. They will be cut down soon). When it comes time to plant new trees, it's important to look into whether they are potential torches, or possibly fire retardant. It's also important to evaluate the water needs of what you plant.
There is no perfection. One can only evolve, be thoughtful, and continue trying.
A list of fire resistant landscape plants.
I think, in general, conifers are fire promoting. Some eucalyptus are as will, but I'm not sure about others. Deciduous trees are less so, although if they have died with leaves on the tree, or under the tree, yes, they will burn too.
A list of fire hazard plants. This is from Marin, so a little different climate but with similarities to what we are becoming in the Pacific NW.
A much longer list from Ashland. Fire resistant plants.
I had the most likely to burn trees removed earlier this year, but I can't tell neighbors what to do. Theirs are clearly a wildfire risk. There are a few shrubs to remove if the current wildfires don't come and do it for us.
The view now. I-phone does not pick up all of the yellow color. Everything looks jaundiced. The county health department says, stay inside. Fortunately we have what we need. I have a bug-out bag in the car, with emergency supplies, meds, and very few, small sentimental items.
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