'Zone zero' rule could be California's wildfire savior

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Under California’s proposed defensible space rules, “no landscaping materials that are likely to be ignited by embers” are permitted within five feet of structures in certain high fire-risk areas.

Opponents say the so-called “zone zero” rules aren’t science-based, and could unnecessarily eliminate thousands of trees in urban Southern California. Proponents say the rules are common sense, and won’t require tree removals.

After months of meetings in Sacramento, public comments will be heard Sept. 18 in Altadena.

Depending on whom you talk to, the proposed new defensible space rules for “zone zero” will help save homes in very high fire hazard severity zones, or decimate much of Sout