Fire-ey Questions, Winter 2026
By Judy Harrington, Kensington Fire Safe (KFS)Kensington’s Fire Safe Council will share researched answers to your inquiries. Send fire-related questions to info@kensingtonfiresafe.org.
Q #1 We’re re-landscaping the front yard but heard new regulations will soon prohibit having anything combustible next to the house. Is that true?
Short answer: YES. But there’s more to it.
The city of San Diego recently issued local regulations before the CA Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has finalized their own five-foot “Zone 0” rules for structures in high fire-risk areas. Virtually all of Kensington is designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (see map).
The latest science indicates that Zone 0 will help prevent home ignition during a wildfire. The debate has been whether this ember-resistant zone should have nothing flammable in it or if very low-growing groundcovers and/or potted plants might be allowed. But no wood or other combustible fences in the zone.
Homeowners are already required by law to maintain defensible space in Zones 1 (5-30 feet) and 2 (30-100 feet). Non-compliance can result in fines starting at a minimum of $100 for a first violation. We know of at least one resident who was recently fined more than that after repeated violations. However, homeowners usually receive a notice of violation and a grace period to correct the issues before penalties are imposed. For more details, go to https://www.sandiego.gov/planning/work/brush-management. Non-compliance with the current and expected regulations can have other possible consequences including insurance cancellations and potential liability for fire suppression costs, if a fire starts on your property due to negligence. Fortunately, we’ve been told San Diego fire officials plan to prioritize education about Zone 0 and cooperation rather than fines.
Zone 0 can be included in attractive landscaping!
Insurance Discounts?
Some insurance companies are already requiring Zone 0 compliance in order to obtain or keep coverage. The industry’s research organization, IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety) has a “Wildfire Prepared Home” certification program that requires Zone 0 be entirely noncombustible, acting as a “moat” to prevent embers from igniting materials next to the home. No plants at all. Some insurers will provide discounts for achieving this certification. https://wildfireprepared.org/ Once the state Zone 0 regulations are in effect, existing structures may have a three-year phase-in period to achieve compliance. But fire officials are encouraging us to consider starting on an ember-resistant zone now, before it’s required. No use spending a lot of money on plants or wood fences you may need to remove later. To see the draft rules online, search “August Zone 0 Rule Plead.”
Almost all of Kensington is in the new Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Source: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/fire-hazard-severity-zones
Five Minutes to Vacate – NOT Time to Decide Who Does What!
Q# 2 What are the top things to do when you have to evacuate?
A: While winter rains reduce fire threats, it’s a good time to seriously plan ahead for an evacuation. Just ask the folks in Talmadge who had to get out quickly during the 2024 Halloween fire.
What NOT to do with a few minutes to leave? Waste time deciding who grabs what. Now, while you don’t need it, make a list by person that works for your household, like this sample one Kensington neighbor uses – with extra rows if there’s more time. Do a rehearsal pretending to do each step to see if your list is realistic.
| 5- 10 MINUTES TO EVACUATE | |
| BOTH GRAB YOUR OWN: (unless already in Go Bag) | |
| Wallet, purse, keys, glasses | Medications, Emergency cash |
| Computers, power supplies | Cell phone(s), chargers |
| Family Member A | Family Member B |
| Pet leash & food | Move flammables away from house |
| Checkbook | Turn on exterior lights; close windows |
| Pre-packed Go Bag | Extra set of keys |
| Fireproof bag of important papers | Close all windows and doors, lock? |
| Turn off gas? | Turn on exterior lights |
| Move pet to car; leave a ladder at the corner of your house for firefighters | Move flammables inside or away from house, or in your pool if you have one |
| 15 MINUTES TO EVACUATE – ADD THESE ITEMS: Add rows as needed | |
To learn more and be really well-prepared, consult CalFire’s Wildfire Action Plan booklet available at the Ken-Tal Library. It’s very well-done and easy to follow!