In a decisive move to address the growing wildfire crisis in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has formally requested that the State Board of Forestry finalize and adopt regulatory updates for the ember-resistant zone, commonly referred to as Zone 0. This critical zone—defined as the first five feet surrounding a structure—is widely recognized by fire scientists as the area most vulnerable to ember intrusion during a wildfire. The Governor’s directive seeks to ensure that these regulations are clearly defined and ready for implementation by January 1, 2026, when the law is set to take effect.
While the intent of the Governor’s mandate is strongly supported by wildfire preparedness organizations across the state, including MySafe:LA, there are growing concerns about the approach being taken by the Board of Forestry. The Board, composed primarily of members from Northern California, has historically prioritized policies shaped by that region’s unique geography and fire behavior. However, Southern California presents a vastly different context. Many homes within the Very High Fire Severity Zone (VHFSZ) in the southern part of the state—particularly in Los Angeles County—are densely clustered, built on small lots with limited defensible space, and often nestled against urban-wildland interfaces that do not mirror the sprawling, forested environments typical in the north.
MySafe:LA acknowledges the urgent need for Zone 0 legislation and fully supports the state’s efforts to reduce home ignitions caused by wind-driven embers, which are among the leading causes of structure loss during wildfires. We applaud Governor Newsom’s leadership in prioritizing proactive risk reduction over reactive disaster recovery. However, we are also deeply concerned about a “one size fits all” regulation that fails to account for the urban density and housing configurations prevalent in our communities. Policies that are not calibrated to Southern California’s realities could place undue burden on homeowners without delivering the intended safety benefits—especially in neighborhoods where implementing strict Zone 0 requirements may be physically impractical or economically inaccessible.
As such, MySafe:LA urges the State Board of Forestry to engage more deeply with local governments, fire safety experts, and community-based organizations in Southern California. A collaborative, data-informed approach will be essential to ensure the new Zone 0 regulations are equitable, enforceable, and effective statewide. We remain committed to working with state leaders to craft a law that both honors regional differences and meaningfully reduces the need for families to endure the trauma of losing their homes to wildfire.
