CA Approves New "Zone Zero" Rules for Wildlife Safety
The first five feet around a home – aka “Zone Zero” - can play an important role in wildfire safety. Research and fire science show that reducing combustible materials closest to a structure can reduce ignition risk and improve a home's chances of surviving a wildfire.
California’s Board of Forestry approved new Zone Zero rules on August 19, 2026, but the regulations must still complete the formal rulemaking process. The Board has indicated that they could be effective as early as mid-September.
The rules establish vegetation and combustible-material requirements within the first five feet of structures in certain fire-prone areas. Owners of existing single-family homes will not have to comply with all the requirements at once; they will have up to five years to complete required changes under the phased implementation schedule.