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Homeowners encouraged to consider firewise landscaping this Spring

Posted at 5:57 PM, Feb 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-24 20:08:53-05

Fire defensible plants are beginning to sprout as part of the Idaho Firewise program.

The nonprofit collaborates with federal, state and local fire departments to help spread the word. They even have a demonstration garden in Boise.

The plants coming to life in two greenhouses will be planted in other parts of the state to help educate homeowners.

The Southern Idaho manager encourages everyone to be prepared.

"There may not be enough fire personnel to actually come to your home and defend it," says Brett Van Paepeghem, Idaho Firewise project manager for Southern Idaho. "And, so the building materials you've chose to use and how you've landscaped around your property may be your only defense."

Van Paepeghem is available to answer questions at the demonstration garden all summer long in the morning hours. You can gain access to it by making entry into the Idaho Botanical Garden.

For more information, visit http://idahofirewise.org/.