Mercury Insurance and Wildfire Expert Douglas Kent Provide Insight on Plants and Fire Protection

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 16, 2021) – California homeowners’ greatest risk for wildfires is between August and November, when a dangerous combination of dry vegetation from the summer months meets the seasonably strong winds. The best time for homeowners to prepare is before a deadly blaze approaches by proactively landscaping to weather an incoming wildfire. Choosing the right plants to resist ignition and understanding the essential role that routine landscape maintenance plays can have one of the greatest influences on the chances of a home’s survival.

Fire Protective Plants for Your Home to Prevent Fire Damage

“Dead and decaying plants are preventable, and just like rotted or cracked siding on your home, can be avoided with the proper maintenance strategy,” said Mercury Insurance Vice President of Property Claims Christopher O’Rourke. “While you routinely clean gutters and maintain your home with the change of seasons remember to also check on the health of plants in your landscape. You’ll enjoy your plants more if they’re kept trim and healthy, and they can help to protect your property during wildfire season as well.”

In addition to routine maintenance, look for plants that have thick, large and broad leaves (rather than needles or blade-like leaves) that are moist and easily bent, without a fragrance – these are less likely to ignite. Replace plants that are old or unhealthy, as they pose a greater fire risk.

Wildfire land management expert Douglas Kent, author of “Firescaping: Protecting Your Home with a Fire-Resistant Landscape,” offers his expert advice on fire-resistant plants.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization predominantly offering personal automobile, homeowners and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia. Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices. For more information visit or and follow the company on .

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Last updated: April 17, 2023