A recent article in the Poway Chieftain about “New Zone Zero Rules” featured a speaker who addressed the City of San Diego’s response to new California requirements and mentions Poway in his presentation. The article’s headline conveys, in error, that his presentation covers new requirements in Poway. The following is information from our Poway Fire Department on what Poway residents need to know:
The City of Poway recommends Poway residents make efforts to improve their home's chance of surviving a wildfire by creating and maintaining a buffer around the home. This buffer, called the Home Ignition Zone, can help your home to withstand ember attacks and reduce the likelihood of wildfire spreading to the home. It is critical to reduce combustible materials to create an ember-resistant zone in the five feet surrounding the home. This five-foot buffer is referred to as Zone 0 because the goal is to have zero combustible material. Zone 0 is the first of three Home Ignition Zones and is designed to keep radiant heat and embers from igniting material that can spread fire to your home.
San Diego recently adopted an ordinance requiring new development AND existing homes to comply with Zone 0 regulations, this ordinance may be subject to enforcement. Poway’s Municipal Code only requires the development of new buildings to comply with Zone 0 regulations. Though the Fire Department recommends Poway residents make efforts on their property to reduce combustible materials in the five-foot buffer known as Zone 0, there is no ordinance forcing residents to take action. It is anticipated that future updates to State of California requirements will include Zone 0 for existing homes in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
For more information on home ignition zones and wildfire preparedness visit our “Understanding Home Ignition Zones” page. Poway Fire offers a Wildfire Awareness workshop in May, which includes low-cost retrofits to harden your home and best practices for creating defensible space within your ornamental landscaping. Contact the Fire Department for other educational opportunities: 858-668-4460.