The Plumas County Fire Safe Council invites community members to jumpstart their home hardening projects and defensible space knowledge with a fire safe home visit. These no-cost consultations are available for all Plumas County residents, and program manager Marty Walters says there are still plenty of open spots on the visit schedule for the fall.
Zone 0 and firewood storage
Walters shared that new Zone 0 requirements will go into effect in January 2026, and allow three years for folks to come into compliance. These regulations are found at Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 1299.
Current regulations say that any firewood within 30 feet of a home must be covered with a fire-resistant material, she said. Exposed firewood that is located at least 30 feet away from a home must have a minimum of 10 feet of clearance down to bare mineral soil in all directions.
With the proposed Zone 0 regulations, residents would not be able to store any firewood within 5 feet of their home’s footprint, including on top of or under decks. In addition, any exposed firewood stored within 5 to 30 feet of the home must be completely enclosed in a fire-resistant material, said Walters.
The current regulations allow firewood to be stored inside enclosed garages.
Sheds within 10 feet of a home must be surrounded with 10 feet of clearance to bare mineral soil with no flammable vegetation around the exterior. With the proposed Zone 0 regulations, no detached outbuildings would be allowed within 5 feet of a home’s footprint, said Walters.
“Insurance companies are increasingly requiring more than the regulatory requirements, and there are several certification programs that can help you get insurance or receive a discount if you meet all their requirements,” she said.
Those interested in the Fire Safe Home Visit Program can get on the schedule by filling out a short questionnaire. More information is available from Walters at [email protected].