District News

Topanga homeowners and those from surrounding cities are invited to a free, in-person Firescaping Workshop on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. at the Topanga Library.  There, you’ll learn practical strategies to reduce wildfire risk around your property.

Hosted by West Basin Municipal Water District in partnership with the LA County Fire Department, the City of Topanga, and LA County Waterworks District #29, this workshop will show you how defensible space and fire-resistant landscaping can make a real difference before a wildfire strikes.

The workshop is led by nationally-recognized firescaping expert Douglas Kent, MS, MLA—a landscape contractor, educator, and author with more than 40 years of experience. Kent is the author of eight books, including the best-selling Firescaping: Protecting Your Home with a Fire-Resistant Landscape, and is known for translating fire science into clear, doable steps that homeowners can implement immediately.

Attendees will learn:

• The “First Five Feet” rule and why it matters
• What Zones 0, 1, and 2 are—and what should (and shouldn’t) be in each
• How to create and maintain defensible space
• Which plants and materials are more fire-resistant
• Practical, affordable strategies to improve your home’s wildfire resilience
• (not sure if they’ll be there so I’ll omit)

The event is free and open to the public and includes a complimentary dinner. The first 25 attendees will also receive a copy of Kent’s book, and all participants will be entered into an opportunity drawing to win a water-saving rain barrel (winner must be able to take it home that night).

Come learn, ask questions, and leave with greater confidence in how to protect your home and property.

Registration is now open—reserve your spot today at www.WestBasinCA.gov/firescaping.