HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.20.26 Board Correspondence - FW_ PRESS RELEASE_ Board Approves First-in-the-Nation Zone 0 Policy at August Meeting.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments,
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From:Clerk of the Board
To:Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan; Kimmelshue, Tod; Kitts,
Melissa; Krater, Sharleen; Lee, Lewis; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney, Kathleen; Teeter, Doug;
Zepeda, Elizabeth
Cc:Sjolund, Garrett; Nuzum, Danielle
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: PRESS RELEASE: Board Approves First-in-the-Nation Zone 0 Policy at August Meeting
Date:Friday, August 21, 2026 8:21:30 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Please see Board Correspondence -
Lewis LeeAdministrative Technician - ConfidentialButte County Administration25 County Center Drive, Suite 200 • Oroville, CA 95965T: 530.552.3326www.buttecounty.ca.gov | lelee@buttecounty.ca.gov
From: California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection <PublicComments@bof.ca.gov>
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2026 6:20 PM
To: Clerk of the Board <clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.ca.gov>
Subject: PRESS RELEASE: Board Approves First-in-the-Nation Zone 0 Policy at August Meeting
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NEWS RELEASE
California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Approves
First-in-the-Nation Zone 0 Defensible Space Regulations
The new policy reflects extensive public input and provides a balanced,
phased approach to wildfire safety and local needs to better protect
homes, neighborhoods, and California communities.
Click the image above for a short explainer video outlining the process and what the regulation requires.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2026
Sacramento, CA — The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
today approved the final draft of Zone 0 defensible space regulations,
marking another critical step in the state’s ongoing effort to better
protect homes and communities from wildfire.
Directed by legislation including Assembly Bill 3074 (2020), Senate Bill 504
(2024), Assembly Bill 1455 (2025), and Governor Gavin Newsom’s
Executive Order N-18-25 in 2025, the new regulation adds to California’s
growing list of wildfire resilience efforts and focuses on practical wildfire
safety actions for the first five feet around homes and structures—an
area where professional experience and research indicate that homes
are most vulnerable to ignition from embers.
The new regulation was informed by extensive public input and reflects
a practical approach that empowers homeowners and local
governments to take action.
“The area defined in this regulation is the most critical zone for
protecting a home, and neighborhoods, during a wildfire,” said Board
Chair Terry O'Brien. “We’ve taken a thoughtful, science-based
approach to develop standards that will meaningfully reduce risk while
still being practical for homeowners. I applaud the hard work of the
Board and the commitment and engagement of many to finalize this
rule package.”
A Refined Approach Built on Public Input and Fire Safety
Over the past fifteen months, the Board has conducted extensive
outreach, including research and public comment review, and nearly a
combined twenty public workshops, community site visits and walking
tours, and on-the-ground engagement with homeowners, fire
professionals, environmental groups, and local governments.
The process surfaced multiple perspectives from different regions of the
state on how to address flammable materials located in Zone 0—with
particular attention to trees and other living vegetation commonly in the
area surrounding the first five feet outside a home.
To help facilitate this discussion, a subcommittee of the Board took input
and consolidated different approaches into a series of
recommendations. Now, the final set of rules approved by the Board
today incorporate a range of viewpoints, statutory requirements, and
considerations for implementation such as affordability, enforcement,
and local flexibility.
“We’ve heard valuable input from all corners of the state and have
worked hard to draft policy that threads the needle across a very
complex set of mandates, risks, and values,” said Tony Andersen,
Executive Officer for the Board. “This policy reflects a milestone in
California’s march towards wildfire resilience—grounded in science,
shaped by communities, and focused on what can actually work on the
ground and in neighborhoods.”
What the New Zone 0 Rules Require
The approved policy includes a phased-in implementation
approach that prioritizes education and outreach over a 5-
year period. While Zone 0 requirements will apply to new
construction upon adoption of the regulation, existing homes
and structures can implement actions in phases over time
within different areas of Zone 0:
● PHASE 1 (Implemented within the first 3 years): Includes removing
combustible items such as firewood, dead leaves and branches,
mulch, and wood chips within 5 feet of the structure. Cleaning
gutters, removing dead and dying plants, trimming trees
according to regulations, and implementing or adjusting for
allowable vegetation during this time period.
● PHASE 2 (Implemented within 5 years): Local jurisdictions will
assign a timeline, within 5 years of the effective date of the
regulations, for the creation of an under-eave safety zone,
replacing combustible gates, and making any necessary
adjustments to sheds and fencing.
The policy applies to homes only in the State Responsibility Area (SRA)
and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas
(LRA).
At a high level, the policy involves two distinct areas within the first five
feet of a structure (see images below for more information):
● A low-combustibility zone extending out from an area
immediately next to the home, or the area under eaves, to the
remaining portion of the five feet that comprises Zone 0—or
roughly an area of four feet depending on a structure’s eave size.
● A non-combustible immediate “safety zone” directly next to the
home and under eaves. This zone width flexes with the width of
the eave. For example, if the structure has one-foot eaves, the
safety zone is one foot in width. If the structure has two-foot eaves,
the safety zone is two feet in width.
This nested approach is designed to protect the most vulnerable parts of
a structure—such as the base of the wall, windows, decks, and eaves—
while still allowing for flexibility based on the attributes of the home or
structure.
Vegetation and Landscaping Are Allowed, With Conditions
● No combustible materials (like bark mulch, dead leaves, wood
chips, or firewood) are allowed within Zone 0, including on roofs
and in gutters. Dead and dying vegetation is not allowed and the
area should be regularly cleaned.
● Then, the “safety zone,” or a vegetation-free buffer, is required:
o Within 1 foot of structures or out to the edge of the eave (or
“drip line”);
o Where the eaves are shallow, a safety zone of 1 foot is still
required. Vegetation is not allowed within two feet of
windows, doors, and vents, and within five feet of attached
decks or similar deck-like features.
● Well-maintained herbaceous plants and flowers are allowed
outside these buffers within Zone 0, with the following conditions:
o Smaller non-woody plants, such as bulbs, poppies, petunias,
and succulents are allowed in spaced groupings;
o Low ground covers, such as moss, beach strawberries, and
creeping thyme are allowed per requirements;
o Grass or lawn is allowed but must be maintained per
requirements;
o Potted plants in easily movable non-combustible containers
are allowed.
Trees Are Allowed, With Conditions
● Trees are allowed, but must be maintained:
o Branches should be ten feet from chimneys per existing
statute. Branches should also be trimmed five feet above
roofs and trimmed so that they are not under eaves.
o Dead wood and lower branches or “ladder fuels” that could
carry fire upward should be removed. Limbs should be
removed from the bottom six feet for large trees, or from the
lower third of the tree for smaller trees.
Fences, Gates, and Structures in Zone 0
● A five-foot non-combustible section is required where fences
attach to a home, to be completed in Phase 2. Examples could
include replacing the combustible gate with a non-combustible
metal gate.
● No new combustible fences or gates should be built within Zone 0,
but repairs can be made to existing fences.
● Any sheds and outbuildings within Zone 0 must have non-
combustible exterior roofs and walls.
Allowances for Local Conditions
Recognizing California’s diverse landscapes and communities, the new
policy also allows local communities to implement alternative
approaches—provided that they achieve equivalent fire safety
outcomes. Using a range of decision-making factors, communities can
also choose more stringent standards based on their individual fire safety
hazard or risk. These local alternatives are to be coordinated or drafted
with their local fire agency and require approval by the local jurisdiction,
such as a city council or county board.
“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” O’Brien added. “We’ve built in
flexibility so that local experts can tailor solutions unique to their
individual communities while maintaining meaningful fire safety
standards.”
Timeline and Phased Implementation Focused on Education, Not
Penalties
The Board has emphasized that implementation will prioritize education
and outreach—not penalties—as this regulation is implemented. For new
construction, compliance with this regulation is required upon approval
by the California Secretary of State. Existing homes will then be phased
in during two phases outlined above, with early adoption always being
recommended.
The goal is to give homeowners time, resources, and guidance to make
changes effectively and affordably.
Continued Public Engagement, Public Assistance Planning, and Next
Steps
The Board will continue to support a range of legislative proposals, tax
savings offers, bond funding, grants, local funding mechanisms, service
organizations, volunteer events, and other resources and assistance
committed to supporting communities and implementing this regulation.
“Extensive public feedback, professional expertise, and communities
willing to roll up their sleeves have been essential to getting us to this
point, and it will continue to shape the coming years,” said Andersen.
“We encourage everyone—homeowners, local agencies, and
community members—to stay engaged, to organize community action
and events, and to help your neighbors.”
State and Local Officials Weigh In
“Creating the nation’s first Zone 0 regulation took more than 15 months
of hard work, honest conversations, and a shared commitment to
finding practical solutions for Californians,” said Board member Elicia
Goldsworthy, who also served on the Zone 0 Regulations Advisory
Committee. “Adding Zone 0 to our existing defensible space regulation is
a demonstration of how we close the gap on our most challenging and
urgent policy work, understanding that this is deeply personal for millions
of California homeowners as it addresses the conditions immediately
adjacent to their homes and outdoor living spaces. Thanks to the
dedication of our Board, community members, and partners across the
state, we have made the kind of progress that allows for a balance of
personal choices with community safety. And we’ve taken one more
important step to help make our communities safer and more resilient to
wildfire.”
“As someone who has spent more than 40 years in fire prevention,
protection, suppression, and ecosystem management, I can tell you the
first five feet around a home is where we win or lose against embers,”
said Board member J. Lopez, who also served on the Zone 0 Regulations
Advisory Committee. “These standards are practical steps: clean roofs
and gutters, removing combustibles near walls and under eaves, and
maintaining trees and plants that measurably cut ignition risk with
achievable actions homeowners can securely implement. They also
support firefighter operations by improving access, escape routes, and
safety zones. By phasing in requirements and prioritizing education over
penalties, we’re giving families the time, tools, and flexibility to get this
right, while allowing local governments to tailor solutions to their
landscapes. This is about safety, protecting lives and neighborhoods,
strengthening resilience block-by-block, and doing it in a way that
homeowners can implement.”
"Research continues to demonstrate that during a wildfire, homes and
buildings are extremely vulnerable to the embers that accumulate within
the first five feet of a home,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State
Fire Marshal. “Establishing the Zone Zero 5-foot safety zone is an essential
step in strengthening California's wildfire preparedness. We all have a
role to play in protecting lives, homes, and the firefighters who rush in to
defend them. Zone Zero is an action that supports this effort and
ultimately, helps protect the places we cherish most.”
"For communities across the state, wildfire preparedness isn't theoretical
— it's personal. We've seen the destruction wildfire can cause, and
we've also seen the importance of taking practical steps to reduce risk
before a fire starts,” said Anne Cottrell, Napa County Supervisor. “The
Board of Forestry’s adoption of Zone 0 defensible space regulations
provides an important statewide baseline for protecting homes and
strengthening community resilience. As we continue our own local
wildfire preparedness efforts, these standards will be another valuable
tool to help keep our communities safer."
“Reducing fire risk in Zone Zero is a key piece of the Governor’s Wildfire
and Landscape Resilience Action Plan,” said Patrick Wright, director of
the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force. “Today’s
approval strengthens our collective efforts to protect homes,
communities, and lives from wildfire.”
“After 25 years as a firefighter, I’ve learned that defensible space isn’t
just a requirement, it’s a promise we make to our communities,” said
Chief John Morgan, Assistant Deputy Director for Community Wildfire
Prevention and Risk Reduction, CAL FIRE, and a lead member of the
Zone 0 planning team. “I’m proud to support the Board of Forestry’s
leadership in advancing these vital Zone 0 protections as we look ahead
to a safer and more prepared California.”
“We learned through tragedy in Paradise in 2018, Los Angeles in 2025
and so many other communities over the past decade, that the home
ignition zone is critical to reducing losses from wildfire to Californians and
their communities,” said Michael Wara, Senior Fellow, Woods Institute for
the Environment, Stanford University. “The Board of Forestry and Fire
Protection’s rule today is the most important step made nationally on this
issue and is a big step forward. Now every Californian, myself included,
needs to step up and do our share of the work to make our homes and
gardens safer from wildfire.”
"I've spent 36 years fighting these fires and walking the aftermath, and
everything I've seen points to and agrees with the science: the risk starts
in the first five feet around the home,” said Todd Lando, Battalian Chief,
Central Marin Fire Authority and President of Fire Safe Marin. “The Board
followed that science, and Californians will be safer for it."
“California is taking a big step toward making more homes resilient when
catastrophic wildfire strikes,” said Eric Horne, California Director, Megafire
Action. “Today’s rule is grounded in science, practical for homeowners,
and strengthened by the voices of Californians who helped shape it. We
commend the Board of Forestry for putting forward a thoughtful
standard that will meaningfully reduce wildfire risk and help protect
more homes.”
***
Before becoming law, the adopted regulation package will be
submitted to the Office of Administrative Law for review before being
officially approved and published by the California Secretary of State.
During this review, a five-day public comment period will be provided.
Information on the final rule package can be accessed here shortly.
● READ: The Summary Sheet and final draft regulation for more
information, including example images. Or review all August
meeting materials here.
● WATCH: A previous explainer video outlining the final adopted
regulation and what’s included.
About the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is responsible for developing
and overseeing forest policy and wildfire regulations in California, with a
mission to protect the state’s forests, watersheds, and communities.
For more information, please email: PublicComments@bof.ca.gov
Copyright (C) 20256. All rights reserved.
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