Five Feet to Fire Safety: Understanding Zone Zero

Zone Zero is California’s newest defensible‑space requirement, designed to protect homes from wind‑blown embers—the leading cause of structure loss in wildfires. It focuses on the first five feet around a home. Zone Zero was mandated by Assembly Bill 3074 (2020), but the regulations were delayed as the State Board of Forestry was working on rules and implementation. It's expected to go into effect this spring.

So, what is ZONE ZERO?.... It's the zone between 0 to 5 feet from the structure, including decks and stairs and is considered the most vulnerable area during a wildfire because embers accumulate here and can ignite even small combustible materials. Studies show that most homes ignite from embers, not direct flame. The five‑foot perimeter is where embers most often land and smolder. Eliminating flammable materials in this zone significantly increases a home’s survival rate.

What Will Be Required

• No combustible materials within five feet of the home—this includes wood mulch, wooden fencing attached to the house, dead vegetation, trellises, sheds, and flammable plants.

• Some potted plants may be allowed depending on container material, size, and maintenance.

• Mature trees may remain if properly maintained and meeting spacing guidelines.

• New construction in high‑risk zones will need to comply immediately; existing homes will have three years to meet requirements once rules are finalized.

  
  

Who Must Comply with Zone Zero:

• State Responsibility Areas (SRA): The State Responsibility Area (SRA) is land in California where the State of California — not local cities or counties — is legally responsible for wildfire prevention and suppression.

• High & Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) within local jurisdictions. These zones are mapped by CAL FIRE using fire‑science modeling.

  
  

What Homeowners Should Do Now

• Remove wood chips and bark mulch near the home.

• Replace wooden fencing that touches the structure with non‑combustible materials for the first five feet.

• Keep gutters and roofs clear of debris.

• Maintain a clean, hardscaped buffer—gravel, concrete, pavers, or bare soil.

• Review CAL FIRE’s defensible‑space guidance and local fire‑safe council resources.

  
  

Cost & Insurance Considerations

Some homeowners worry about the cost of retrofitting, and while enforcement will focus on education, insurance carriers may expect compliance sooner in high‑risk areas. Grants and community programs are expected to expand to help offset costs.

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: to feel safe in our homes and confident that our neighborhoods are protected. Creating and maintaining a clear, ember‑resistant zone isn’t just about one property — it’s about all of us doing our part to keep our communities resilient. If you’ve ever watched how quickly embers can ignite a home, you know how little time there is to react. Taking these steps now is a simple, meaningful way to protect our families, our neighbors, and the places we love.

Sources: 1. Board of Forestry & Fire Protection 2. Calfire.ca.gov