Did you know that invasive plants such as Scotch Broom and Cheatgrass can increase the risk of wildfires?
How does this happen?
Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) creates dense thickets of dry woody material that is extremely flammable. This escalates the intensity of wildfires, leading to increased damage and risk to nearby properties.
Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is highly flammable and grows in dense populations. Cheatgrass infestations provide ample, fine-textured fuels that increase fire intensity and often decrease the intervals between fires.
What can you do about it?
- Play-Clean-Go: if you visit an area that is infested with these plants, make sure your clothes, pets, and equipment are free of plant seeds before you leave.
- Protect your property: if you have either of these high-risk species on your property, contact CKISS for professional advice on how to remove or reduce infestations.
- Report infestations: if you see an invasive species growing in your area, report it!
