After months of contentious public meetings and significant pushback on the scientific justifications underlying the new rules, the draft proposal has been officially revised and released by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) subcommittee.
The CAL FIRE subc
ommittee released an updated draft of proposed Zone 0 (first five feet around homes and structures) defensible space regulations on April 17, 2026. According to the Agency, this marks another step in the state’s ongoing effort to better protect homes and communities from wildfire. The draft regulations were informed by extensive public input and reflect a flexible approach that empowers homeowners and local governments to take action. The updated draft rule includes a phased-in implementation approach that prioritizes education and outreach over a 5-year period.
- View a summary of the revised draft (with photos)
- See also: official California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force