The Overlooked Spaces That Can Prevent the Spread of Fire

Los Angeles homeowners who lost homes in the Eaton and Palisades fires are working to rebuild homes that are safer and more fire-resistant — and that goes beyond the home itself, writes Linda Poon in Bloomberg CityLab.

Along with the materials used to build a home, the design and landscaping of areas immediately next to and between homes can be crucial fire-stopping barriers. According to research by mechanical engineer Michael Gollner, “making homes fire-resistant and maintaining the space between houses to clear or limit the presence of combustible materials like dried vegetation, wooden fences and patio furniture are among the most effective strategies for taming urban fires.”

Taking steps to limit flammable materials and implement ‘hardening’ measures between homes can as much as double the share of structures that survive a fire. According to Poon, “California officials delayed finalizing rules around ‘Zone Zero’ regulations that, among other things, would require property owners in high-risk areas to maintain an ‘ember-resistant zone’ within five feet of their building.” Some cities, like Berkeley and San Diego, are enforcing their own regulations, moving to ban flammable plants and other materials from within five feet of homes.