What is Zone Zero in Wildfire Defense?

Imagine you're the proud owner of a stunning high-value home nestled in the picturesque hills of a wildfire-prone region. The panoramic views from your windows are breathtaking. However, despite the beauty, a hidden danger lurks just beyond your doorstep.

One hot, dry day, a wildfire breaks out nearby. Within hours, the fire rages out of control, spreading rapidly toward your neighborhood. Despite hearing about the importance of “defensible space,” you never took action. The fire starts to engulf your neighborhood, and then the landscape around your home. The lack of defensible space allows the flames to creep closer and closer until they almost reach your home. The intense heat and flying embers ignite everything in their path.

This scenario is more common than we think. Wildfires are an ever-growing threat, and understanding Zone Zero—the area within 5 feet of your home—can mean the difference between saving your property and losing it to a wildfire.

What is Zone Zero?

Zone Zero, also known as the Ember Resistant Zone or the Home Ignition Zone, is the area immediately surrounding your home that poses the highest risk of ignition from flying embers. The ember-resistant zone is crucial in wildfire defense because the majority of homes are lost not to direct flames, but due to embers that are carried by the wind and ignite flammable materials close to the structure.

In California, Assembly Bill 3074 (AB 3074) mandates the creation of this zone, with new regulations expected to be fully implemented by 2025. This law requires property owners to manage the 0 to 5 feet surrounding their homes to prevent ember intrusion and the spread of fire.

The Importance of Zone Zero in Wildfire Defense

While not yet required by law in all areas, the Zone Zero concept is backed by years of research. Studies have shown that embers are responsible for more than 90% of home ignitions during wildfires. These embers can travel miles ahead of the flames, finding combustible materials close to homes—whether it’s dry grass, shrubs, or wooden decks—and setting them ablaze.

In fact, CalFire and other fire safety organizations emphasize that the 5-foot zone is one of the most critical areas to address when creating defensible space. The goal is to remove or replace combustible materials with non-combustible alternatives that can effectively resist ember ignition.

How to Implement Zone Zero

1. Remove Combustible Materials:
   Within this 5-foot zone, it is essential to eliminate any combustible materials that could catch fire from flying embers. This includes:

   • Removing dead or dying vegetation, such as weeds, grass, plants, and tree branches.

   • Avoiding the use of combustible mulch like wood chips or bark; instead, opt for non-combustible alternatives like gravel, stone, or pavers.

   • Checking areas like roofs, gutters, decks, and porches for debris that could catch fire.

2. Use Hardscaping for Fire-Resistant Landscaping:
   Instead of planting shrubs or trees near your home, which can serve as ladders for fire to climb, incorporate hardscaping materials like stone, concrete, and metal. These materials are not only beautiful but also non-combustible, reducing the likelihood of a fire spreading to your home.

   Greenway's recommendation: Life-like steel plants can add a natural aesthetic to your landscaping while being 100% fire-resistant. Many fire departments are now using these steel plants for added safety.

3. Clearance Around Vents and Chimneys:
   Trim any tree branches or vegetation within 10 feet of chimneys or stovepipe outlets. This is essential to prevent the fire from reaching your home through these vulnerable points.

4. Replace Combustible Fencing:
   Wooden fences and gates that connect to the house should be replaced with fire-resistant alternatives, such as steel or masonry, to prevent fire from spreading to your home.

5. Regular Maintenance:
   Keeping Zone Zero clear is not a one-time task. Routine maintenance is essential. During dry conditions or red flag days, ensure all debris, leaves, and pine needles are removed. Consider relocating any combustible items such as outdoor furniture, firewood, or garbage bins outside of this zone.

6. Safe Storage of Combustible Items:
   Relocate items like boats, RVs, and vehicles—all of which can catch fire and spread flames—away from your home and Zone Zero. Additionally, firewood and lumber should be stored more than 5 feet from the structure in Zone 2, which is the next area of defensible space.

Why Zone Zero Matters for High-Value Homes

For homeowners in high-risk wildfire zones, Zone Zero is especially important. Properties in wildfire-prone areas often have large lot sizes and are surrounded by dense vegetation. The larger the property, the more important it becomes to create defensible space. Defensible space not only helps protect the home from wildfire but also provides firefighters with a safer environment to defend the structure.

For high-net-worth individuals, the risk is not only about losing property but also about preserving their investment. Creating defensible space, including maintaining Zone Zero, can lower insurance premiums, improve coverage options, and provide peace of mind. Many insurance companies are starting to offer discounts for homes with fire-resistant features like Zone Zero, as they present a lower risk to insurers.

Best Practices for Zone Zero Implementation

1. Hardscaping and Non-Combustible Landscaping: As discussed, use gravel, stone, and pavers instead of combustible materials like mulch. For visual appeal, life-like steel plants can be added to the landscape. Not only do these look beautiful, but they are also non-combustible, offering a fire-safe option.

2. Maintain Regular Inspections: Routinely check your property for combustible materials, especially after a wildfire season. Clear out any buildup of debris and dead vegetation.

3. Stay Informed and Proactive: Wildfires are becoming increasingly destructive, and creating defensible space has never been more important. Stay informed about wildfire risks in your area and follow local regulations, which may be stricter than state-level requirements.

4. Partner with Experts: Consider working with a fire safety expert or landscape architect to ensure that your property complies with Zone Zero requirements and to make sure you're using the most effective materials for fire prevention.

Zone Zero in the Bigger Picture of Wildfire Defense

Zone Zero is not just about meeting legal requirements—it's about taking proactive measures to protect your property and loved ones. Creating a fire-resistant buffer zone around your home will significantly reduce the likelihood of fire spreading. By combining hardscaping, non-combustible materials, and strategic landscaping, you can drastically improve your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire.

As wildfires continue to escalate in frequency and severity, Zone Zero offers a simple but powerful defense mechanism. Ensuring that your home is surrounded by a non-combustible zone is one of the best steps you can take to protect your investment and safeguard your family’s future.