SAN DIEGO — New wildfire safety rules for new homes in San Diego’s most fire-prone neighborhoods take effect today, Feb. 13, that require a fire-buffer around any new structure built in the city’s highest-risk fire zones.
The state-mandated “Zone Zero” regulations apply to all new construction in high-fire severity zones. The zones focus on the first five feet around a building, which fire officials say is where homes are most likely to ignite during a wildfire. Under the new rules, anyone applying for a building permit in those areas must keep that five-foot zone free of any brush, foliage or combustible items.
“Creating defensible space is one of the most effective steps a homeowner can take to reduce their wildfire risk,” San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan said in a statement. “These statewide standards focus on the area closest to the home, where embers pose the greatest threat, and where informed and intentional actions today help protect homes, communities, and firefighters tomorrow.”…