FireWise Landscaping Many common plants naturally resist fire and can keep fire from spreading. Select plants that have little oil content, or that don't produce much litter. Well watered green plants burn slowly. When landscaping your property space plants to maintain defensible space, that area within thirty feet of your home where fire won't burn, or burns poorly. Information on Firewise including free home assessments is available from Cheryl Walimaa, Cook County FireWise at 387-3642.