Concerns Mount Over Proposed California Wildfire Regulations
Proposed regulations aimed at reducing wildfire risk in California are facing growing opposition, particularly in Southern California, with critics arguing they are overly broad and potentially counterproductive. The rules, developed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), focus on vegetation management around homes in high-risk areas, but experts and residents alike are raising concerns about their potential impact.
A report by the University of California, Riverside’s Center for Preservation Research (as reported on Sept. 4) suggests that removing irrigated, healthy vegetation could exacerbate problems by eliminating shade, increasing erosion risk, and destroying crucial wildlife habitat. The report advocates for a more nuanced approach, moving away from a ”one-size-fits-all” policy and incorporating an appeals process.It specifically recommends exemptions for “healthy, hydrated and well maintained vegetation… not likely to be ignited by embers,” alongside protections for native trees and shrubs, historically significant trees, and well-maintained municipal street trees.
according to Michael Hubach, a representative familiar with the regulations, public awareness is low.”Most people don’t no this is coming their way, and when they find out about [the proposed rules] they don’t think it will make them safer. They think it will make their neighborhoods hotter, dryer, uglier and less safe.”
Environmental scientist Travis Longcore, former president of the Los Angeles Audubon Society, recently presented a detailed analysis of the proposed regulations online. While agreeing with some aspects, such as removing flammable materials like wood fences attached to buildings and debris from roofs, longcore echoed the call for allowing healthy vegetation to remain. He emphasized the distinction between plants prone to accumulating dead wood, like junipers and cypress, and those less likely to ignite.
Enforcement of the regulations is also a point of contention.Both Longcore and former State Fire Marshal Ruben Grijalva expressed concerns about the capacity of existing inspectors. Grijalva further criticized the “one-size-fits-all” approach, arguing it fails to account for building code updates. He pointed out that homes built after 2008 are already subject to stricter fire-resistant construction standards, including ignition-resistant materials and ember-resistant vents, implemented through Chapter 7A of the California Building Code.
Grijalva now works with developers to create fire-resistant communities, like Rancho Mission Viejo, while still prioritizing the benefits of trees like oaks and sycamores for cooling and aesthetics.
Residents will have opportunities to voice their concerns at upcoming meetings. An informational town hall is scheduled for Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ventura County Fire Headquarters in Newbury Park; RSVP is requested through Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell. The Board of forestry and Fire Protection will hold a public meeting on Sept. 18, though in-person attendance may be prioritized due to anticipated high turnout.
The committee plans to discuss the feedback received on sept.18 at its regular meeting in sacramento on Sept. 22, at which point it will decide whether to revise the proposed rules or forward them to the full board for consideration.