Overview
- The draft Zone Zero policy focuses on the first five feet around structures in high-risk areas to reduce ember ignition and home-to-home fire spread.
- State officials say the measure responds to recent Los Angeles fires that turned into urban conflagrations, citing combustible materials between homes.
- The Board of Forestry estimates roughly 2 million structures, about 17% of California’s total, would fall under the rule if adopted.
- If finalized, homeowners would have three years to comply, with enforcement centered on education and outreach and room for local jurisdictions to set rules.
- Los Angeles residents and some elected officials question one-size-fits-all vegetation removal and note that compliance would not guarantee homeowners insurance.