Governor Newsom signs executive order enforcing rule requiring homeowners in fire-prone areas to clear flammable materials within 5 feet of their homes. Measure aims to reduce risk of wildfire damage by minimizing ember spread. Existing homes have three years to comply with new regulations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign an executive order to enforce a long-delayed rule requiring homeowners in fire-prone areas to clear flammable materials within 5 feet of their homes. The rule, passed by lawmakers in 2020, was originally set to take effect by January 1, 2023, but faced significant delays in implementation.
The new order aims to address the growing risk of wildfires in California by minimizing the spread of embers, which experts say are responsible for 90% of structure fires. Existing homes would have three years to comply with the regulations, which will require the removal of vegetation, wooden fencing, furniture, sheds, and mulch within the designated zone. The executive order also directs the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) to add approximately 1.4 million acres of land to the fire-prone map, expanding the areas subject to home-hardening rules. Newsom's administration has emphasized that this measure is part of a broader strategy to enhance wildfire resilience, including investments in firefighting personnel and equipment, forest management, and community hardening initiatives. Additionally, the state has allocated $25 million to assist homeowners in complying with the new defensible-space requirements. While the specific impact of the new rule on home safety remains unclear, experts believe that clearing the immediate area around homes significantly reduces the risk of ignition and damage from flying embers during wildfires. The rule reflects the increasing urgency to address wildfire risk in California, as the state grapples with the growing intensity and frequency of wildfires fueled by climate change
Wildfires California Governor Newsom Home-Hardening Defensible Space Ember Spread Climate Change
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