FIRST AND FOREMOST!!!

When it comes to wildfire prevention, defensible space is the most critical step. By clearing flammable vegetation, trimming trees, and creating buffer zones around your home, you dramatically reduce the chances of a fire reaching your structure.

While fire retardant application is a powerful tool, it's only one part of a comprehensive strategy. Retardants work best in combination with defensible space — not as a substitute for it.

A layered approach is key: start with defensible space, add fire-resistant landscaping, and enhance protection with long-term fire retardant.

What is fire retardant?

Long-term fire retardants are specially formulated chemicals designed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire. Unlike water, which evaporates quickly, these retardants remain effective for weeks—bonding to vegetation and other materials to reduce their flammability. They work by creating a protective barrier that prevents ignition, giving firefighters and homeowners more time to defend property.

At Timber Wolf Disaster Defense, we use only eco-friendly, biodegradable fire retardants that are safe for people, pets, and the environment—helping you protect your home without harming the land you love.

How does fire retardant work?

Fire retardant works by creating a protective barrier that slows or stops the spread of fire. For residential properties, long-term fire retardants are typically applied to vegetation and flammable materials around the home that:

Interrupt the combustion process by reducing the flammability of fuels like grass, brush, and wood.
Form a protective coating that resists ignition and slows heat transfer.
Remain effective even after drying, offering ongoing protection until washed away by heavy rain.

This gives firefighters more time to respond and helps prevent fires from reaching structures.

What is fire retardant made out of?

Fire retardants are typically made from salts and fertilizers, as a mix of ammonium phosphate or ammonium sulfate, clay or thickening agents, and water.

Ammonium phosphate/sulfate: The active chemical that disrupts combustion.
Clay or guar gum: Thickens the mixture to help it stick to vegetation and surfaces.
Water: Acts as the carrier during application.

Although, not all fire retardants are equal and companies/products should be vetted. We only partner with suppliers that provide rigorous testing for their products to be classified as non-toxic.

Where is fire retardant applied?

Fire retardant is designed to act as a barrier for vegetation surrounding homes, farms, and yards. We recommend applying it to flammable areas such as grass, bushes, brush, and other vegetation near structures. When used properly, fire retardant helps form a protective zone around high-risk areas to reduce the spread of wildfire.

Does fire retardant leave any visible marks after application?

Some retardants have colorants added for visibility during wildland firefighting, but the products we use for your property are clear coated and not noticable.

How often is fire retardant applied to property?

We recommend applying fire retardant once every fire season or after significant rainfall or severe weather, as such conditions can reduce its effectiveness.

How safe is fire retardant?

Most fire retardant companies keep their formulas proprietary and do not disclose all ingredients. However, we choose to use fire retardant that is developed with salts and fertilizers. We require testing to confirm that it is non-toxic to plants, humans, and the environment.