A Debate Heats Up over California’s ‘Zone Zero’ Rules to Cut Home Losses to Flammable Vegetation

Inside Climate News · By Blanca Begert · last updated October 5, 2025 – 1:02 AM

Uncertainty in the science on plant combustibility is throwing a curveball at California’s effort to require an “ember-resistant” perimeter around homes.

By Blanca Begert

After years of delay, California is rushing to finalize its rules requiring a five-foot ember-resistant perimeter around homes in areas of the state facing high wildfire risks.

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