The Emerald Ribbon Project grew out of the successful natural fire stop suppression system of the Emerald Animal Rescue Sanctuary, that, according to firefighters, helped save the neighbourhood during the 1993 Laguna Beach fire storm and the Emerald fire a couple of years ago.  The strategically placed and specific blend of succulents, fire resistant natives, and other landscaping, in conjunction with pathways and grazing areas, is a model of how to stop a fire or at least dramatically slow the spread and reduce the size of flames. In addition it serves as a heat shield and ember catcher substantially reducing embers from flowing into the neighbourhoods.

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This system is proposed to be incorporated into the existing inefficient firebreak at no or minimal coast.  By doing this Laguna Beach and some nearby communities will be far more protected from wildfires, therefore reducing its fire rating designation which implies that many residents will enjoy reduced fire insurance premiums.