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Delay in ember-resistant zone regulations sparks concern among California lawmakers

February 4, 2025

California lawmakers demand faster action on ember-resistant zone regulations

California lawmakers are calling on the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to expedite the implementation of ember-resistant zone regulations, according to a report in the LA Times.

These zones, which involve keeping the first five feet around homes free from flammable materials, are aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires spreading between properties.

This call for action follows the devastation of wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, where ember storms ignited structures and led to widespread destruction.

State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), who represents areas such as Malibu and Pacific Palisades, has expressed frustration with the delay.

He is working to push the Board to implement the regulations swiftly as homeowners rebuild.

Allen stated: “After seeing my community burn, I want to see them take action.”

The regulations, which were initially mandated in a 2020 bill, were supposed to be finalized by January 1, 2023.

However, the Board has yet to issue the rules and lacks a clear timeline for their completion.

Why ember-resistant zones matter in preventing wildfires from spreading

Experts argue that creating ember-resistant zones around homes is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the spread of wildfires.

Steve Hawks, senior director for wildfire at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, emphasized the importance of zone zero, stating: “We definitely know from our research and post-fire analyses of defensible space that zone zero is the most critical.”

By clearing flammable vegetation, wooden fences, and debris from the first five feet around a structure, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of embers igniting their property.

This precaution is especially important in areas like Los Angeles, where high winds can carry embers from burning brush into neighborhoods.

Even if one homeowner implements all the proper precautions, embers could still ignite a neighboring structure.

The political challenges behind the delay in ember-resistant zone regulations

The delay in implementing these rules has raised concerns among state lawmakers.

Sen. Henry Stern (D-Calabasas) echoed Allen’s concerns, calling the regulations a matter of life and death for homeowners and their neighbors.

“We cannot afford to kick the can down the road,” Stern said.

California lawmakers and experts acknowledge that while some property owners have resisted the rules due to concerns about cost and aesthetics, the benefits of having ember-resistant zones far outweigh the risks.

Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) introduced the original zone zero legislation in 2020, following destructive fires in 2017 and 2018.

She stressed: “It’s way past time to get these regulations written and pushed out to the public.”

Local jurisdictions adopt ember-resistant regulations as state lags behind

While the state continues to delay the implementation of ember-resistant zone regulations, some local jurisdictions have already moved forward with their own ordinances.

Local fire authorities in areas like San Diego, Napa County, and Rancho Santa Fe have adopted zone zero requirements for new construction.

In L.A. County, new construction projects must comply with similar vegetation clearance standards, pending state guidance.

Edith Hannigan, Executive Officer of the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, stated that staff are working to release a draft of the rules “as soon as is feasible.” She added that local agencies have been proactive in adopting their own regulations to mitigate fire risks.

California lawmakers call for quicker implementation of ember-resistant zone regulations: Summary

California lawmakers are calling for faster implementation of ember-resistant zone regulations designed to reduce wildfire risks.

These regulations require homeowners in fire-prone areas to clear the first five feet around their homes of flammable materials. The rules were mandated by a 2020 bill but have faced delays.

Lawmakers, including Sen. Ben Allen and Sen. Henry Stern, have expressed frustration with the delay, urging the Board of Forestry to act swiftly.

Local jurisdictions have already adopted similar regulations, but the state has yet to finalize its rules.

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