The Problem
The City of Arcadia faces growing threats from wildfires, which pose serious risks of home damage, smoke-related health hazards, and forced evacuations. As climate change intensifies fire seasons and dry conditions persist, neighborhoods bordering wildland areas are increasingly vulnerable. Despite these mounting dangers, there remains a lack of public education around fire-resistant and drought-tolerant landscaping practices. Many residents are unaware of the vital role that cultivating California native plants can play in reducing fire risk. These plants not only require less water and maintenance but also tend to be more resilient to fire, helping to create defensible space around homes. Bridging this knowledge gap is critical to improving community preparedness and promoting sustainable, fire-safe urban environments.