A new state law requiring homeowners to maintain a five-foot defensible space around buildings will take effect Jan. 1, 2026, in the Alpine community, according to the Alpine Fire Protection District.
The law mandates the removal of all combustible materials within the “Zone Zero Immediate Zone,” the first five linear feet from the exterior wall or deck of any structure. This includes existing plants, vegetation, mulch, bark and succulents. The area must be replaced with non-combustible materials such as rocks, gravel, pavers, stone, concrete or bare mineral soil.
Post-wildfire studies have shown that embers can enter the stucco screed at the base of a wall and ignite the interior, fire officials said. By removing flammable materials, Zone Zero aims to reduce the likelihood of direct flame impingement and increase structure survivability during a wildfire.
The requirement applies to all buildings in Alpine, including single-family homes, commercial buildings, multi-family units, industrial facilities and accessory structures.
“For the last three years we have been promoting and educating homeowners to work towards compliance,” said Jason McBroom, fire marshal at the Alpine Fire Protection District. “We have been doing community outreach, we have been doing pop-ups in the community, we have been sharing through emails, social media posts, public events, homeowners’ association meetings, helping homeowners understand what Zone Zero is actually meaning.”
McBroom said homeowners may apply for financial assistance through the Sunrise Powerlink Fire Mitigation Grant.
“It opens every year in January, and the grant is still in process right now available from the grant office for homeowners to apply as long as funding is available,” he said.
Removing flammable materials and replacing them with fire-resistant options can help minimize the potential for flame spread, McBroom said.
“It’s important for a homeowner to understand to be fire wise and to embrace and understand that change might be difficult at first,” he said. “But understanding that compliance means being a responsible homeowner and doing what they can do.”
The Alpine Fire Protection District is offering educational workshops, home inspections and outreach events to help residents prepare. Officials encourage the public to visit www.alpinefire.org and select “Community Risk Reduction” for more information.
“The Alpine Fire Protection District is taking a proactive stance towards fire and lifesaving in a community that is at risk for wildfire,” McBroom said.
“We are encouraging homeowners to ask questions, to be involved, to attend meetings, to participate in outreach. So that way we collectively and collaboratively can all work together to build a fire-wise adaptive community.”
