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Fire Prevention

Pass NetZero > Climate > Fire Prevention

Aquatic Plants for Fire Prevention and Management

Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires globally, threatening ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure. However, strategic deployment of aquatic plants can create natural firebreaks, water reservoirs, and increased water retention in landscapes. Such benefits, when integrated into traditional land management practices, can reduce the need for artificial firebreaks, control soil erosion, increase soil stabilization, enhance ecosystem biodiversity, and expand local employment via maintenance and harvesting. Through their high water content, ability to maintain soil moisture, and capacity to create green buffer zones, aquatic plants offer a cost-effective, nature-based solution for fire prevention and management.

Image source: Marshall E., Holyland B., Parkins K., Raulings E., Good M. K., Swan M., Bennett L. T., & Penman T. D. Can green firebreaks help balance biodiversity, carbon storage and wildfire risk? Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 369, 2024, 122183, ISSN 0301-4797, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122183.

Pass NetZero's Role in Fire Prevention

Our work includes identifying species with optimal fire-resistant properties, developing implementation strategies for creating effective firebreaks, and integrating these approaches with traditional fire management practices. We collaborate with local communities and environmental authorities to:

  1. Assess local fire risks and identify priority areas for firebreak establishment
  2. Design integrated systems of plants, water reservoirs, and harvest zones
  3. Select appropriate native aquatic plant species based on local conditions
  4. Develop maintenance and harvest protocols that ensure long-term effectiveness
  5. Create emergency response plans utilizing water infrastructure
  6. Monitor and evaluate performance to inform future implementations

Our integrated fire prevention strategy

This fire prevention initiative works in close coordination with our water regulation and temperature management programs to create comprehensive environmental solutions. Through this integrated approach, we help communities build resilience while advancing broader environmental goals of carbon capture, water management, and ecosystem restoration. The careful balance of plant growth, strategic harvesting, and water infrastructure creates a sustainable system that serves multiple environmental and community needs.

Our approach combines carbon sequestration with fire prevention through careful biomass management:

  • Regular harvesting of small portions (15-20%) of mature plant biomass to reduce fuel load
  • Strategic thinning near residential areas to create maintained firebreaks
  • Processing harvested material for carbon storage products
  • Maintaining plant health and regeneration capacity
  • Seasonal timing of harvests to maximize both fire prevention and carbon sequestration

We incorporate water management infrastructure to enhance fire prevention:

  • Strategic placement of water reservoirs within plant-based firebreaks
  • Natural water retention basins using aquatic plant communities
  • Integration with existing water management systems
  • Gravity-fed distribution networks where terrain allows
  • Dual-purpose design supporting both fire prevention and ecosystem services

Project Objectives

Strategic Mapping

Identify optimal locations for aquatic plant firebreaks based on fire risk assessments, water availability, flow pattern analyses, and high-risk zones near residential areas.

Knowledge Exchange

Partner with local communities and fire management authorities to integrate traditional knowledge, share best practices, and train local teams in maintenance and monitoring

Implementation Planning

Develop guidelines for establishing and maintaining aquatic plant firebreaks, integrated water reservoir system designs, harvest rotation schedules, emergency response protocols, and sustainable biomass processing methods

Monitoring and Adaptation

Track effectiveness of implemented firebreaks, water reservoir performance, harvest impacts on plant health, and carbon sequestration rates to adapt strategies based on such data