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The legislation stipulates an absolute ban on all combustible landscaping—including plants, wood fences, decks, and even trees—in a five-foot radius around structures in vulnerable areas. The rationale is straightforward: reducing potential ignition sources close to homes to slow the progression of wildfires.
Following a devastating series of wildfires in Los Angeles—particularly in areas like Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and others—Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to revisit and implement stricter regulations aimed at fire mitigation. The goal is to develop a fire-resistant buffer zone that can give firefighting agencies more time to combat blazes and potentially prevent home losses.