Fire-ey Questions, Fall 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 How can I get a home inspection by someone who definitely knows recently changed Zone Zero requirements?
We hear mixed stories about inspections and the new Zone Zero mandates for homes in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) – maybe because rules have been evolving, particularly when it comes to vegetation.
However, City of San Diego Fire Rescue Home Risk Assessment inspectors are now well-trained. This is based on recent presentations they’ve made as well as feedback from neighbors who had inspections. The cost is $163 and it covers defensible space, Zone Zero, ember resistance, and much more. To request one — at least two weeks in advance of your target date — complete the form at: https://forms.zohopublic.com/CRR/form/HRARequest/formperma/AAy75OpE1WSmMaJOPuYQNXOE8IaPgGQ654_PhfIJo9M
In addition, San Diego County Fire Safe Council recently expanded the eligible area for their assessment program to include Kensington! It’s free and I had it done at my house – very helpful! To apply go to; https://firesafesdcounty.org/hap/
Newly-Allowed Plants
Current California’s Board of Forestry and the city of San Diego rules appear to be more consistent and more lenient than previously expected regarding vegetation. They now require no plants within:
- ONE foot of a structure or the edge of eves, whichever is greater,
- TWO feet of windows, doors, and vents, and
- FIVE feet of adjacent features like decks.
Check out these and other important specifics, particularly regarding trees, at https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/zone-0-guidelines-for-existing-structures.pdf
Note that the rules are subject to change at the discretion of the city’s Fire Code Officials.
What About Fire-Blocking Vegetation?
We’re constantly hearing opinions about Zone Zero and how some plants are highly fire-resistant or may actually block embers from reaching your home. These issues and other common questions are addressed, including the science behind the issue, in a well-done State Board of Forestry’s Q & A. It’s definitely worth a read before you make landscaping decisions. https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/state-board-forestry-fire-protection-zone-0-faq.pdf
San Diego Fire Rescue wants existing VHFHSZ homeowners – virtually all of Kensington – to aim for compliance by February 2027 but have indicated they will focus on education rather than enforcement.
Of course, a big HOWEVER: the insurance industry may have the last word.
- Their Institute for Business and Home Safety’s five-foot Zone Zero requirement: “Remove all vegetation down to bare mineral soil, including grass, weeds, flowers, succulents, cacti, plants, shrubs, vines, and debris. No exceptions—even if irrigated or labeled fire-resistant.” More details on page 10 of this document: https://wildfireprepared.org/wp-content/uploads/WFPH-Technical-Standard.pdf
- To do your own inspection based on their rules: https://wildfireprepared.org/wp-content/uploads/WPH-How-To-Prepare-My-Home-Checklist.pdf
One neighbor reported she couldn’t get her insurance renewed unless she implemented Zone Zero. On the other hand, local insurance agent, Scott Caraveo, told us, “As of right now, none of the insurance companies I work with specifically require Zone Zero. A few offer small discounts for it, while others may consider a home for coverage if Zone Zero is already in place when it otherwise might not qualify.” Contact scott@caraveoinsurance.com for more info.
Also:
Drum Role, please: KFS would like to announce a change in leadership! Congratulations to Canterbury Drive resident Mike Baldwin who has been elected our new President.
I have served in that role for five years and am happy to pass the baton onto this very capable and hard worker!.
Mike has been organizing and overseeing our Dumpathons for a couple of years and recently successfully secured Firewise designation for about 60 area homes, making them safer and providing potential insurance discounts for those residents. One of his top goals is to have all of Kensington achieve that designation – with new homeowners helping to lead the effort. Please contact us at info@kensingtonfiresafe.org if you’d like to help make that happen!
KFS Fall Dumpathon is October 20 – November 2nd. More info and dumpster locations will be posted on neighborhood signs, Nextdoor and our Facebook page. If you don’t already get our announcements, send your email address to info@kensingtonfiresafe.org and you’ll be notified by email.
Check out the new city rules for Zone Zero before planning landscaping!