California proposes mandatory five-foot ember-resistant zone for homes in fire-prone areas
A draft "Zone 0" rule would require homeowners in California's highest wildfire-risk zones to keep a five-foot ember-resistant buffer around structures, potentially taking effect as early as September.
California is preparing to enforce a new "Zone 0" regulation that would obligate property owners in the state's most fire-vulnerable areas to maintain an ember-resistant clearance extending five feet from any residence or structure, with implementation possible by September. Homeowners would need to remove weeds, leaves, branches and other flammable material and may have to replace certain fencing, while hard-scape options like gravel, pavers or concrete must replace combustible mulch.
CAL Fire emphasizes that this inner buffer is the most critical barrier against fire-spreading embers. The Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee, established in 2025 as part of the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, is set to finalize the policy on Wednesday morning. This initiative satisfies the mandate of Assembly Bill 3074 passed in 2020 and an executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2025, expanding upon the state's existing Zone 1 (5-30 ft) and Zone 2 (30-100 ft) defensible-space requirements.
Why it matters
The rule could reshape property maintenance for thousands of Californians, aiming to curb wildfire damage.
In this story
