In an effort to prevent wildfires, California is considering major restrictions against certain homes’ landscaping. Some experts fear the bans may help fuel flames, instead of stopping them.
Earlier this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order mandating that the State Board of Forestry quickly develop regulations that would create an “ember-resistant zone” within five feet of buildings in fire-prone areas.
That “Zone 0” prohibits homes from having flammable materials nearby, including grass, shrubs, and many trees, which some researchers say can actually help prevent wildfires from spreading…