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California Board of Forestry Approves 'Zone Zero' Fire-Safe Landscaping Rules

California Board of Forestry Approves 'Zone Zero' Fire-Safe Landscaping Rules

California’s Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has unanimously approved new fire-safe landscaping requirements, known as 'Zone Zero,' for millions of residents in fire-prone areas. These rules mandate a complete ban on all plants within one foot of homes and require the first five feet around homes to be free of combustible materials such, as firewood, fallen leaves and branches, and mulch or wood chips. Additionally, wooden sheds are prohibited in this zone, and wooden fences attached to the house are also banned. The regulations apply to homes in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, affecting an estimated 2 million properties. While new constructions must comply immediately, existing homeowners will have up to five years to meet these new standards. The board clarified that trees do not need to be removed, but limbs must be trimmed away from roofs and chimneys. This decision follows nearly six years of debate and aims to enhance safety and insurability in the face of e...
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Cal Fire Halts Forward Spread of Brush Fire Near Campo, Evacuations Lifted

Cal Fire Halts Forward Spread of Brush Fire Near Campo, Evacuations Lifted

Cal Fire crews successfully halted the forward spread of a brush fire, dubbed the Church 2 Fire, near Campo in far eastern San Diego County. The fire, which started along Church Road near the Golden Acorn Casino on Monday around 2:20 p.m., grew to over 130 acres. Evacuations were ordered for residents in the affected areas, and the fire generated significant smoke, impacting air quality in communities such as Live Oak Springs, Boulevard, Manzanita, and McCain Valley. By approximately 5 p.m., firefighters had stopped the fire's progression and achieved 5% containment. All evacuation orders and warnings were subsequently lifted by around 6 p.m. Crews remained on scene overnight, and by Tuesday morning, containment had increased to 60%. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and firefighters are continuing efforts to fully contain the blaze.
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California Adopts 'Zone Zero' Fire-Safe Landscaping Rules for High-Risk Areas

California Adopts 'Zone Zero' Fire-Safe Landscaping Rules for High-Risk Areas

California's Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has approved new 'Zone Zero' fire-safe landscaping rules aimed at reducing wildfire risks for millions of residents in fire-prone areas. The regulations require homeowners to maintain a five-foot defensible space around their homes, free of combustible materials such as firewood, mulch, and wooden structures. Within one foot of the home, all vegetation is banned. These rules apply to properties in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, impacting approximately 2 million homes. The regulations will roll out in two phases, with compliance deadlines ranging from three to five years. New constructions must adhere immediately. The initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate wildfire risks, which have destroyed over 60,000 homes in California in the last decade. (Source: LA Times, published 2026-08-19 00:00:00)
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Understanding the 'Ready, Set, Go!' Wildfire Evacuation System

Understanding the 'Ready, Set, Go!' Wildfire Evacuation System

Learn how the 'Ready, Set, Go!' system can help you prepare for wildfires, protect your home, and evacuate safely when needed.
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Chapel Hills Mall Evacuated Due to Fire at DICK's Sporting Goods

Chapel Hills Mall Evacuated Due to Fire at DICK's Sporting Goods

The Chapel Hills Mall in Colorado Springs was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon following a reported structure fire at the DICK's Sporting Goods store. The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) confirmed the evacuation, stating that the fire originated in a trash compactor at the store, located near the intersection of Briargate Boulevard and Chapel Hills Drive. Emergency crews responded to the incident around 3:50 p.m. local time. As of the latest reports, no injuries have been reported in connection with the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by authorities. The CSFD has advised the public to avoid the area while crews work to manage the situation. This is an ongoing development, with further updates expected.
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Sack-happy Saints defensive star is No. 2 on the 2026 Elite 11

Sack-happy Saints defensive star is No. 2 on the 2026 Elite 11

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Jacob Vann is set to play his college football at Fresno State
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Mukluk Fire Prompts Evacuations in Tok, Alaska, Threatening Structures

Mukluk Fire Prompts Evacuations in Tok, Alaska, Threatening Structures

A rapidly spreading wildfire, named the Mukluk Fire, has led to evacuations in Tok, Alaska. The fire originated near milepost 1316 on the Alaska Highway and quickly expanded to over 20 acres, moving towards the Tanana River. Authorities have issued GO-level evacuation orders for the northern part of Tok, advising residents to seek shelter at the local Mushers Hall. Firefighting teams from various regions, including Mat-Su and Kenai, are actively working to contain the blaze. The efforts are being challenged by prevailing hot, dry, and windy weather conditions, which are contributing to the fire's rapid growth and intensity. The situation remains dynamic as firefighters battle to bring the fire under control and protect the community.
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Lightning Strike Causes Fire in Lake George, Colorado; Crews Achieve Full Containment

Lightning Strike Causes Fire in Lake George, Colorado; Crews Achieve Full Containment

A fire ignited by a lightning strike in Lake George, Colorado, was fully contained by crews on Monday. The Lake George Fire Protection District reported that firefighters responded to a single tree ablaze in Springer Gulch on Sunday. The U.S. Forest Service confirmed that the fire was burning in Pondrosa Pines. Due to the challenging terrain and difficult-to-reach location, Lake George firefighters collaborated with USFS crews. They utilized a new drone to pinpoint the most accessible entry points and guide ground crews to the precise location of the fire. The fire, which grew to approximately a quarter of an acre, was successfully brought under control and fully contained by 7:05 p.m. on Monday.
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Tok Wildfire Destroys Over 20 Homes, Evacuations Ordered

Tok Wildfire Destroys Over 20 Homes, Evacuations Ordered

A rapidly growing wildfire near Tok, Alaska, has destroyed more than 20 homes and prompted mandatory evacuations. A Level 3 'GO' evacuation order remains in effect for areas north of the Alaska Highway, from Mackenzie Trail to E 5th Street. Residents have reported significant losses, with some losing all their belongings. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized funding to cover up to 75% of the state's firefighting expenses. Local, state, and federal resources are actively engaged in suppression efforts. However, unauthorized drone activity has temporarily grounded firefighting aircraft, hindering operations.
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Explosion and Fire at Precision Punch and Tooling in Berlin, Connecticut, Closes Road

Explosion and Fire at Precision Punch and Tooling in Berlin, Connecticut, Closes Road

A fire erupted at Precision Punch and Tooling on Christian Lane in Berlin, Connecticut, following a reported explosion on Tuesday. Fire officials were called to the scene and found heavy smoke within a manufacturing area, with employees still evacuating the building. The incident occurred during a grinding process when a stray spark ignited cooling oil, which then entered a portion of the ventilation system. Employees at the facility played a crucial role in containing the fire by using fire extinguishers, which allowed firefighters to quickly extinguish the blaze upon arrival. One employee sustained a minor laceration, and several others were evaluated for smoke inhalation, though no hospitalizations were required. The Rocky Hill Fire Department was called to provide support to Berlin firefighters. Christian Lane was subsequently closed between the Route 9 ramps and Deming Road, with police advising drivers to seek alternative routes.
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California homes face landscaping changes under 'Zone 0' fire rules

California homes face landscaping changes under 'Zone 0' fire rules

California may adopt "Zone 0" rules that could impact property owners statewide. The changes would be phased in over five years.
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New Jersey's Fire Season Extends Year-Round Amid Dry Conditions

New Jersey's Fire Season Extends Year-Round Amid Dry Conditions

New Jersey's fire season, which officially ended in May, appears to be ongoing as dry conditions and high temperatures persist. Bill Donnelly, warden of the state's forest-fire service, noted that fire activity has become a year-round concern. On a recent day in Jackson Township, Donnelly climbed the state's newest fire tower, the first built since 1948, to monitor conditions. The tower, one of 21 in the state, offers a 20-mile view and is equipped with traditional tools like an alidade for precise fire location tracking. Despite advancements, the service continues to rely on manual observation and radio communication to detect and manage fires. A wildfire at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst was under control, but new smoke was spotted during the observation, prompting immediate action.