Hardening Your Home for Wildfire and Embers

Compliant with California “Zone 0” Regulation 

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire

Purpose:

Home hardening means making your structure resistant to ignition from wind-driven embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. Beginning January 1, 2026, new construction in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) must include an ember-resistant 0–5 ft “Zone 0” and comply with updated California Building Code Chapter 7A standards.

1. The Zone 0 Ember-Resistant Area (0–5 Feet from the Structure)

• Remove all combustible materials such as wood chips, bark mulch, leaf litter, outdoor furniture, and firewood.

• Use only non-combustible surfaces such as decomposed granite, gravel, concrete, or pavers.

• Replace combustible fencing within 5 ft of structures with metal, masonry, or fire-rated sections.

• Avoid shrubs under windows, decks, or vents; use small, irrigated, low-sap plants only if separated by hardscape.

2. Beyond Zone 0: Hardening the Structure

Roof:

• Use Class A fire-rated roofing (composition, tile, or metal). Keep gutters clean and install non-combustible metal guards.

Vents & Soffits:

• Install ember-resistant metal mesh screens: openings no larger than 1/8 inch and no smaller than 1/16 inch, using corrosion-resistant metal (stainless or galvanized). Cover attic, eave, foundation, and crawl-space vents. Box-in soffits with non-combustible material.

Exterior Walls:

• Use ignition-resistant siding (fiber-cement, stucco, brick, or metal). Seal all joints and gaps.

Windows & Doors:

• Dual-pane tempered glass; solid-core or metal doors; weather-strip openings.

Decks & Attachments:

• Non-combustible or ignition-resistant decking; enclose undersides; remove debris and vegetation.

Chimneys & Skylights:

• Fit spark arrestors (≤½-inch screen) and use tempered-glass skylights.

Utilities:

• Use metal fixtures and vent covers; locate propane tanks ≥10 ft from structures.

3. Maintenance & Compliance

• Inspect roofs, gutters, and vents monthly during fire season.

• Maintain Zone 0 clear of debris and combustibles year-round.

• Zone 0 rules apply to new construction in 2026; existing homes phase in by 2028 (check with local fire agency).

Defensible Space Zones (0–100 Feet)

• Incorporating the New Zone 0 Standard 

• Purpose: Defensible space reduces flame length, heat, and ember spread near your home, giving firefighters a safer workspace. California law (PRC 4291 & AB 3074) defines three zones: 0–5 ft (Zone 0), 5–30 ft (Zone 1), and 30–100 ft (Zone 2).

Zone 0 – Ember-Resistant Zone (0–5 ft)

• Maintain completely non-combustible surfaces (gravel, concrete, or pavers).

• Remove vegetation and combustible materials.

• Transition any attached wood fencing to metal or masonry.

• Keep the area clear of leaves and debris year-round.

Zone 1 – Lean, Clean & Green (5–30 ft)

• Remove ladder fuels; prune tree limbs 6–10 ft above ground.

• Space tree crowns at least 10 ft apart; maintain irrigation.

• Keep lawns ≤4 inches and clear roof-adjacent shrubs.

• Use metal or ignition-resistant furniture.

Zone 2 – Reduced Fuel Zone (30–100 ft)

• Thin dense trees and brush; maintain crown separation of 10–30 ft.

• Mow or disk grasses ≤4 inches.

• Create gravel paths as fuel breaks.

• Store woodpiles and propane ≥30 ft from structures.
  
  

Additional Best Practices

• • Maintain 10–12 ft vertical and 10 ft horizontal clearance on driveways.

  • Post reflective address numbers visible from the road.

  • Keep water sources and hoses accessible.

  • Inspect defensible space each spring and fall, especially after wind events.

Compliance Timeline

• Jan 1, 2026 – New construction must comply with Zone 0 and defensible-space rules.

• 2026–2028 – Existing homes in high-hazard zones will phase in compliance per local enforcement schedules.

Work with your neighborhood to Become a Firewise USA® Community

Wildfire resilience starts at the neighborhood level. When neighbors work together to clear vegetation, harden homes, and maintain defensible space, the combined effort greatly reduces the chance of structure-to-structure ignition and helps keep wildfire from spreading into the community. Becoming a recognized Firewise USA® site connects your neighborhood with expert guidance, recognition, and access to resources that make everyone safer. 

Learn how to get started at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website: www.nfpa.org/firewise