California’s delay in enforcing fire-resistant home laws raises concerns amid ongoing wildfires
Los Angeles: Experts believe that if California had enforced its new fire safety laws, some homes might have survived the recent wildfires. In 2020, lawmakers passed a law requiring homeowners in high-risk areas to clear flammable materials within 5 feet of their homes. But here we are, and the rules still aren’t in place.
The law was supposed to kick in on January 1, 2023, but the state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection hasn’t even finalized the regulations. It’s frustrating for everyone involved, especially for lawmakers like Sen. Henry Stern, who feels let down by the slow progress.
Many neighborhoods hit hard by the recent Palisades Fire were supposed to follow these new rules. The fire, fueled by strong winds, destroyed over 5,000 structures in areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Experts say that having a defensible space could have made a difference.
Under the proposed rules, existing homes would have three years to comply. While it’s hard to say how many homes could have been saved, experts agree that clearing the area around homes would help. Steve Hawks, a former firefighter, believes it could have made a difference based on past research.
California has some of the strictest fire safety laws in the West, but the new “zone zero” law aims to create an even safer space around homes. This zone would prohibit things like wooden fences and furniture within 5 feet of a house, targeting the embers that cause most wildfire damage.
The law passed with bipartisan support after devastating fires in 2017 and 2018. Experts like Yana Valachovic stress that following these safety measures can significantly improve a home’s chances during a wildfire.
Unfortunately, the Board of Forestry is still figuring out the funding for these new rules. They’ve said they’re in the early stages of drafting the regulations, and it might take a while before anything is finalized. Meanwhile, some homeowners are already taking action on their own.
Edith Hannigan from the board acknowledges the complexity of the process but assures that it remains a priority. Experts suggest practical steps like clearing debris from roofs and replacing flammable materials to better protect homes.
Despite the urgency, some people are hesitant to adopt these practices. Sen. Stern, who lost his home in a fire, finds it tough to convince his family to take these precautions seriously. U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, who helped pass the law, is frustrated by the slow implementation and hopes the state will act quickly.
Once the rules are finalized, they’ll apply to new homes immediately, while existing homes will have three years to catch up. It’s a step in the right direction, but the wait has been too long for many.
