Bamboo includes more than 1500 species in 6 “tribes” – all are considered fire-prone when planted in Marin’s climate. Bamboo is commonly grown as a screen or hedge. Bamboo should be removed within 30 ‘ of structures or 10’ of roads and driveways according to the fire code adopted by Marin fire agencies.
No bamboo genus or species is “nonflammable” because they all share the same woody stem structure (culms) and other fire prone characteristics. All bamboos form tight clusters of culms (stems). These tight masses of stems tend to accumulate lots of decay resistant dead material and inhibit the removal of internal dead culms. They all shed dead
