ZONE 0

Fire-Resistant Fencing

Protect Your Home & Meet Insurance Requirements

Zone 0 (zero) is defined as the 5-foot area directly around a home within it's 'defenseable space'. According to the recently updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) map, a substantial portion of San Diego County is now classified within high-risk fire zones. These designations indicate that many areas in the county will be subject to more strict wildfire regulations prompted by Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-18-25. The goal of Zone 0 is to reduce the risk of home ignition by removing flammable materials from a structure's local perimeter. It's never to early to prepare your home.

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Do you reside in a wildland-urban interface zone?

Your First Line of Defense Against Wildfire Starts at Zone 0

What is Zone 0?

Zone 0 is defined as the first 0-5 feet around your home, including the area where your fence may connect to your house. In a wildfire or urban firestorm this zone is at the highest risk for ember ignition spreading to the primary structure.

New regulations in California are being finalized that will apply to all homes and existing structures in high fire risk zones. All combustible material within 5 feet of the structure will have to be removed or replaced with ignition resistant materials. Homeowners will have 3 years to comply or retrofit and there will be no "grandfathering" provisions included once finalized by the state which is expected by December 31, 2025.

Why Homeowners (and Insurers) Care About Zone 0

A rapidly changing climate will bring drier winters and hotter summers to the region and the recent fire disasters in Los Angeles in early 2025 have shown just how vulnerable Southern California neighborhoods will become to the dangers of wildfire in the coming years. The threat is no longer exclusive to the back country or mountain communities.

When fire strikes, the property damage and financial fall out is significant. A properly maintained Zone 0 is a critical component of structure defense and can significantly reduce a homes fire exposure. Fire resistant materials in Zone 0 can stop flames from spreading directly to homes, drastically slowing a fires progress in an urban setting.

What should homeowners do now?

Starting sometime in 2026, California will require homeowners in fire-prone areas to clear Zone 0 of flammable materials.

Insurance providers are likely to consider Zone 0 compliance in future coverage decisions. So before making any investments or considering changes to you property, contact your insurance carrier to see how Zone 0 implementation may affect your policy in the coming months.

Ensure your neighbors and HOA boards are informed. These regulations will influence how you landscape, maintain, and insure your home regardless of preparedness.

Use the resources to the right to keep track of Zone 0 and AB 3074 updates

zone 0 resources

🔥City of San Diego Fire Hazard Zone Map Update 2025

🔥City of San Diego FHSZ (Fire Hazard Severity Zone) Webpage

🔥Cal-Fire FHSZ Webpage

🔥Cal-Fire Defensible Space Webpage

🔥CA Executive Order N-18-25

🔥 Assembly Bill 3074

🔥2025 LRA SDFD FHSZ PowerPoint

Fire-Safe Fencing Options

California's Zone 0 regulations emphasize using non-combustible or fire-resistant materials to prevent wildfire spread. If your fence is attached to your home or within 5 feet of a structure, it must not be made of combustible materials like untreated wood.

Approved Fire-Resistant Fencing Materials for Zone 0

Must Meet ASTM E136, E84, & E2768 Class A Fire Standards

✔ Metal Fencing (Best for Fire Resistance)
Steel, Aluminum, or Wrought Iron – 100% non-combustible and highly durable.
Chain-link fencing (with metal or fire-resistant privacy screens) is acceptable.
Pros: Completely fireproof, long-lasting, requires minimal maintenance.

✔ Masonry & Concrete Fencing (Best for Maximum Protection)
Concrete Block, Brick, or Stone Walls – These create a fireproof barrier between your home and an approaching wildfire.
Stucco-covered walls offer excellent fire resistance.
Pros: Acts as a firebreak, provides privacy, and reduces noise.

Fencing Materials NOT Recommended for Zone 0

❌ Wood fences (untreated or pressure-treated lumber)
❌ Vinyl fences (can melt and burn under extreme heat exposure, failed ASTM E5768) Link to Testing Results
❌ Bamboo or other plant-based fences (highly flammable)

❌ Composite Fencing - (Typically only rated up to Class B)

If a wooden fence connects to your home, it should have a metal gate or non-combustible section within 5 feet of the structure.