Contributor: California's proposed ban on plants near homes could be dangerously bad advice
Briefly

Recent studies reveal that maintaining unburned plant life amidst urban fire wreckage illustrates vegetation's crucial protective role against wildfires. Despite California's proposed regulations banning many plants within 5 feet of homes—an area termed 'Zone 0'—there are concerns that such prohibitions could undermine rather than enhance fire safety. Research indicates that healthy vegetation can slow fire spread and protect homes from embers, countering the state’s regulations which may face public resistance, especially as they could set precedents for other fire-prone areas outside California.
In examining fire patterns, even after devastating urban fires, significant green vegetation often remains, showcasing the protective role of well-maintained plants against wildfires.
The state's proposed ember-resistant zone regulations may unintentionally eliminate supportive vegetation, which could hinder fire resilience in neighborhoods recovering from urban wildfires.
Read at Los Angeles Times
[
|
]