New state regulations known as Zone Zero rules, which require removing vegetation and other combustible materials within five feet of homes in high fire-hazard areas, sparked controversy at a meeting in Pasadena on Thursday. Approximately 150 people attended the meeting, including individuals who lost homes in the Eaton and Palisades fires in January. The debate focused on whether these defensible space regulations are necessary, overly restrictive, or potentially harmful.
The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is working to finalize these regulations by December or January. The rules aim to protect homes from wildfires, but many attendees expressed concerns about their impact. According to the Daily News, critics argue that the regulations could eliminate tree canopies, create heat islands, and increase fire risks.
The Zone Zero rules are part of a broader effort to address fire hazards, especially after the state declared 2 million acres as high fire danger areas in February. In the past year, Southern California experienced three major wildfires, including the Eaton and Palisades fires in January and the Airport fire in September.
While some, like Ryan Ulyate of the Topanga Canyon Fire Safe Council, support the rules for protecting property and lives, others, such as Thelma Waxman of the Brentwood Homeowners Association, argue that homes, not vegetation, are the primary fuel for fires. Waxman emphasized the importance of ember-resistant vents and double-paned windows over vegetation removal.
The regulations propose a five-foot ember-resistant zone around homes, prohibiting combustible materials like grass, shrubs, and certain plants. Trees must be trimmed, and specific guidelines apply to fences and outbuildings. These rules will take effect immediately for new constructions, with existing buildings given three years to comply.
The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing fire safety with environmental and homeowner concerns. As the Sierra Club reports, experts agree on the need for cultural shifts in landscaping practices, but many residents oppose a one-size-fits-all approach. The debate continues as the state works to finalize the regulations.
Recent Comments