Ask a fire scientist where a home is most likely to ignite, and the answer is usually within five feet of the walls. That strip, often called Zone 0 or the ember-resistant zone, is where embers land, collect and put flames directly against the house.
California has been developing formal Zone 0 rules for high fire hazard areas, and the five-foot zone already appears in the state's Safer from Wildfires insurance framework and the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home standard.
What doesn't belong in the zone
- Bark mulch and wood chips
- Wood piles, lumber and patio furniture cushions
- Dense shrubs and hedges against the walls
- Wood fences or gates that attach to the house
- Dead leaves, needles and debris
- Trash cans and recycling bins made of plastic
What does
- Gravel, pavers, concrete or decomposed granite
- Widely spaced, well-watered, low plants in containers away from windows
- Metal gates and fence sections where fences meet the house
- Clean surfaces under decks and stairs
The tricky parts
Fences. A wood fence that touches the house is a fuse. Swap the last five feet for metal.
Decks. Clear everything underneath. Consider intumescent coating on decking and rails.
Landscaping you love. Hillside homes are often designed with lush planting near the walls. We work with clients to keep the look while moving fuel back, and use pre-treatment on plants that stay.
Beyond the zone
The five-foot zone works with the house itself. Combine it with ember-resistant vents, noncombustible gutter covers and six inches of noncombustible clearance at the base of walls.
Checklist. Walk your home's perimeter with a tape measure. Anything that can burn within five feet of the wall is a candidate to move, replace or treat.
Our free assessment includes a five-foot zone review with specific recommendations for your property.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zone 0 required in California?
California has been developing formal Zone 0 rules for high fire hazard areas under state law. Timelines and details may change, so check with CAL FIRE and your local fire authority for current requirements.
Can I keep any plants within five feet of my house?
Sparse, low, well-watered plants in noncombustible containers away from windows and vents are generally the safest option. Avoid woody shrubs and mulch.
Does Zone 0 affect my insurance?
The five-foot ember-resistant zone is one of the mitigation actions in California's Safer from Wildfires framework, which insurers are required to recognize.
