Confirmed: California’s Delayed Fire Safety Regulations Fueled Wildfire!

California’s delayed implementation of fire safety regulations leaves homes vulnerable as wildfires ravage the state.

At a Glance

  • California passed a law in 2020 requiring a 5-foot “ember-resistant” zone around homes in fire-prone areas
  • The law was set to take effect in 2023, but implementation has been delayed
  • Recent fires have caused significant destruction, highlighting the urgent need for these regulations
  • Embers are responsible for 90% of structures destroyed by wildfires
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to allocate $25 million to help homeowners create “zone zero” areas

California’s Fire Safety Law Stalled

In 2020, California passed a law requiring the removal of combustible materials within 5 feet of homes in fire-prone areas. This measure, intended to create an “ember-resistant” zone, was set to take effect in 2023. However, the state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has yet to complete the necessary regulations, leaving no firm timeline for implementation.

The delay has frustrated lawmakers, including Democratic state Sen. Henry Stern, who helped author the legislation. “It’s frustrating at every level of government,” Stern said. The urgency of these regulations is underscored by recent devastating fires, such as the Eaton and Palisades fires, which have caused significant destruction and loss of life.

The proposed regulations would create an “ember-resistant” zone, or “zone zero,” prohibiting flammable materials within 5 feet of homes. This measure is crucial, as state officials and researchers have found that embers are responsible for 90% of structures destroyed by wildfires. By eliminating these fire-fueling materials, homes could become significantly more resistant to wildfire damage.

The law, which passed with bipartisan support following the devastating fires in 2017 and 2018, including the Paradise fire, was intended to prevent such catastrophic losses in the future. However, the recent fires have shown that the danger remains present and urgent.

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is now in the “pre-rulemaking phase” and is seeking funding to offset potential costs associated with implementing the regulations. Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed allocating $25 million to help homeowners create zone zero areas, to be funded by a $10 billion climate change bond.

He’s busy doing things now but he didn’t seem to be on the case before half of LA burned to the ground…

While the state-wide regulations are still pending, some cities and homeowners are voluntarily adopting the zone zero practices. Once adopted, the regulations would apply immediately to new homes and give existing homes three years to comply.