From the City of San Diego, April 22, 2026, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Releases Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures:
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has released the Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures to support property owners in meeting defensible space requirements within the first five feet of a structure. Zone 0 is a critical area for reducing wildfire risk, especially from wind-driven embers. These guidelines provide clear direction on how to meet current requirements for existing homes and properties located in Very High Fire Severity Zones.
Background: The prevention of wildland fires is not a municipal affair but is instead a matter of statewide concern. Wildfires are extremely costly, not only for property owners and residents but also for local agencies. The wildfire front is not the only source of risk since embers, or firebrands, travel far beyond the area impacted by the front and pose a risk of ignition to a structure or fuel on a site for a longer time.
Since fires ignore civil boundaries, it is necessary that cities, counties, special districts, state agencies, and federal agencies work together to bring raging fires under control. Preventive measures are therefore needed to ensure the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.
Wind-driven embers are responsible for most home ignitions during wildfires. Accumulated vegetative debris and combustible materials on or immediately adjacent to structures are highly susceptible to ember ignition. Wildfire risk is reduced based on its associated risks by removing or modifying vegetation or other materials that are likely to ignite, including leaf litter, pine needles, dead vegetation, and stored combustible items, including attachments such as gates and fences.
Other combustible items that are likely to be ignited by embers or that may contribute to fire spread include firewood, window boxes, trellises, and petroleum-based trash containers, patio furniture, cushions, mats, and rugs. During Red Flag Warning Days issued by the National Weather Service, trash containers should be temporarily moved into a garage, and other loose materials should be brought inside.
That an excerpt. Read, download, and share the Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures on the City site at : https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/zone-0-guidelines-for-existing-structures.pdf
For more information, please visit the SDFD site at : https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/defensible-space-property-owners
Save the Date: The University City Fire Safe Council will host two public events in May and we will discuss the SDFD’s Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures.
- Zoom on Monday, May 11, at 6 pm. Learn how to create a Fire Safe Landscape by choosing and placing fire-resistant plants. We’ll also talk about Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures, Home Hardening, Evacuation Planning, University City’s fire history, and vegetation management in San Diego’s Open Space Parks. Contact Diane Ahern to volunteer with the Fire Safe Council or to get on the email list for notification: UCFireSafeCouncil@gmail.com
- In-Person on Saturday, May 16, from 10 am to 12 noon, outdoors at Standley Park. Meet up with Fire Safe Council members and other UC residents to learn more about how to make homes and landscapes more fire safe. Pick up a copy of the Fire Department’s Ready Set Go guide and learn more about the SDFD Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures. We will have activities and information about fire safety for both adults and children. The SDFD fire fighters from Station 50 in University City have been invited to join us. For more information, visit: universitycitynews.org/UCCA/FireSafeCouncil
