Wildfire Compliance.
Defined.
Wildfire compliance comes with its own vocabulary. Homeowners should not have to become wildfire experts to comply with wildfire requirements. However, if you want to learn more about your property and compliance requirements, we make it remarkably easy to understand.
- 10 CCR 2644.9: Risk Scores and MitigationWildfire Laws & Regulation
California’s insurance rating rule that requires insurers to account for wildfire mitigation and to share wildfire risk scores with policyholders. How much you save depends on your insurer’s approved rating plan.
Need it done? See Insurance Mitigation Requests.
Source: CDI · Safer from Wildfires
- AB 1054 (2019)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
A utility law, not a homeowner rule. It created California’s Wildfire Fund and new safety oversight for electric utilities.
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- AB 1572 (2023): Nonfunctional TurfWildfire Laws & Regulation
The law that ends potable-water irrigation of decorative grass at commercial, institutional and HOA properties. Deadlines start in 2027 and run through 2031 by property type.
Need it done? See AB 1572 Nonfunctional Turf Removal.
Source: Water Code §10608.14
- AB 3074 (2020): Zone 0Wildfire Laws & Regulation
The law that created Zone 0, an ember-resistant zone in the first 5 feet around a home. It takes effect only when the state adopts regulations; the first emergency rule was withdrawn on September 8, 2026.
Need it done? See Fire Department Inspection Preparation.
- AB 38 (2019)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
The law behind wildfire disclosures in home sales. Sellers in High or Very High zones must give buyers proof of defensible space compliance (Civil Code §1102.19).
Need it done? See AB 38 Inspection Preparation.
Source: Civil Code §1102.19
- Agoura Hills Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A local volunteer group helping Agoura Hills residents prepare for wildfire.
Source: agourahillsfsc.org
- Annual Defensible Space ClearanceDefensible Space
The yearly clearance your fire authority requires. VCFD’s deadline is June 1; LACoFD inspects starting April–June by area. Either way, it’s year-round upkeep, not a one-time job.
Need it done? See Fire Department Inspection Preparation.
- APNInsurance & Real Estate
Assessor’s Parcel Number: the county’s ID for your lot. Fire departments use it to schedule inspections, including VCFD’s AB 38 requests.
- AspectFire Science
The direction a slope faces. South- and west-facing slopes get more sun, dry out faster and burn more readily.
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
The agency with the final say on a requirement. For defensible space, that’s your fire authority; for permits, your building department.
- Bell Canyon Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A volunteer group supporting wildfire preparedness in Bell Canyon.
Source: www.bellcanyon.com
- Building Materials Listing (BML)Wildfire Mitigation
The State Fire Marshal’s list of products tested for wildfire use, such as vents, siding and decking. A listing applies only to the listed model and installation.
- C.A.R. Form FHDSInsurance & Real Estate
The California Association of REALTORS® Fire Hardening and Defensible Space disclosure and addendum. In VCFD’s jurisdiction, it’s the form used when a buyer agrees to finish corrections within 60 days after closing.
- CAL FIREAgencies & Programs
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It maps Fire Hazard Severity Zones and protects State Responsibility Area land. The State Fire Marshal is part of CAL FIRE.
Source: www.fire.ca.gov
- California Department of InsuranceAgencies & Programs
California’s insurance regulator. It approves rates and runs the Safer from Wildfires program.
Source: www.insurance.ca.gov
- California FAIR PlanInsurance & Real Estate
California’s insurer of last resort for homeowners who can’t get coverage elsewhere. Coverage is usually narrower, so many owners add a companion policy.
Source: www.cfpnet.com
- California Fire Code (CFC)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
Part 9 of California’s building standards (Title 24). Counties adopt it with local amendments, which is why VCFD and LACoFD rules differ.
Source: www.dgs.ca.gov
- California Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A statewide nonprofit that funds and supports local fire safe councils. Its directory helps you find yours.
Source: cafiresafecouncil.org
- California State Water Resources Control BoardAgencies & Programs
The state agency that enforces the AB 1572 turf rules alongside local water suppliers, cities and counties.
Source: Water Code §10608.14
- Cement Board and Fiber-Cement SidingWildfire Mitigation
Cement-based panels used for siding and soffits. Noncombustible and a common home-hardening upgrade; choose products listed for the intended use.
- Chapter 7A of the California Building CodeWildfire Laws & Regulation
California’s long-standing wildfire construction rules for new buildings in hazard zones: ignition-resistant roofs, vents, siding and windows.
- Chimney ScreeningWildfire Mitigation
Metal mesh over a chimney or stovepipe outlet that stops sparks from escaping. VCFD requires a spark arrestor with openings no larger than ½ inch.
- Civil Code 1102.19: Defensible Space at Point of SaleWildfire Laws & Regulation
The section that puts AB 38 into practice. Sellers in High or Very High zones give buyers proof of defensible space compliance, or sign an agreement for the buyer to get it.
Need it done? See AB 38 Inspection Preparation.
Source: Civil Code §1102.19
- Class A RoofWildfire Mitigation
The highest fire rating for a roof covering. The rating applies to the full assembly as installed, not just the shingles.
- Climate and Fire WeatherFire Science
Climate is the long-term pattern; fire weather is today’s heat, low humidity and wind. Hot, dry, windy days are when fires spread fastest.
- Code EnforcementAgencies & Programs
The local office that handles property code violations. Vacant lots often get clearance notices from code enforcement rather than the fire department.
Need it done? See Vacant Lot Clearing & Nuisance Abatement.
Source: rma.venturacounty.gov
- Combustible MaterialsWildfire Mitigation
Anything that burns: plants, mulch, firewood, trash, outdoor furniture and petroleum-based products.
- Contract CountiesAgencies & Programs
Six counties that protect State Responsibility Area land for CAL FIRE: Kern, Los Angeles, Marin, Orange, Santa Barbara and Ventura. In these counties, your SRA fire authority is the county fire department, not CAL FIRE.
Source: CAL FIRE · Contract counties
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB)Agencies & Programs
California’s contractor licensing agency. Use its license lookup before you hire anyone. Mustard Construction holds CSLB License #982958, Class B.
Source: www.cslb.ca.gov
- Critical Fire WeatherFire Science
Weather that makes fires easy to start and hard to stop. The National Weather Service flags it with fire weather watches and Red Flag Warnings.
- Crown Fire PotentialFire Science
How likely a fire is to climb into and run through treetops. Ladder fuels and dense canopies raise it.
- Defensible SpaceDefensible Space
The managed area around your home, up to 100 feet, that slows a wildfire and gives firefighters room to work. Required by state law in hazard zones.
Need it done? See Fire Department Inspection Preparation.
- Defensible-Space InspectionInsurance & Real Estate
A fire authority’s check of your property against its clearance rules. There are two kinds: the annual inspection and the AB 38 inspection for a home sale.
- EavesWildfire Mitigation
The roof edges that overhang your walls. Embers collect underneath them, so enclosing eaves with noncombustible material is a key hardening step.
- Ember-Resistant Vent Mesh RetrofitWildfire Mitigation
Adding fine metal mesh to existing vents. CAL FIRE recommends 1/16- to 1/8-inch openings, while keeping the airflow the building needs.
Source: CAL FIRE · Home hardening
- Ember-Resistant VentsWildfire Mitigation
Vents built and tested to block embers and flame. Look for State Fire Marshal–listed models.
- EmbersFire Science
Burning bits carried ahead of a fire by wind. They cause most home ignitions by landing on debris or slipping through openings.
Source: CAL FIRE · Home hardening
- Emergency Preparedness in Calabasas (EPIC-FSC)Agencies & Programs
Calabasas’s fire safe council, focused on local wildfire preparedness.
Source: epic-fsc.com
- Fire Hazard Severity ZonesWildfire Laws & Regulation
CAL FIRE’s map of wildfire hazard: Moderate, High or Very High. It rates the land, not your home, and it decides which rules apply. Check yours with the Defensible Space Snapshot.
- Fire Risk Reduction CommunityAgencies & Programs
A community on the Board of Forestry’s list for meeting wildfire planning standards. Insurers must consider it when setting rates. VCFD’s jurisdiction is on the 2024–2026 list.
- Fire-Rated DoorsWildfire Mitigation
Exterior doors built to resist fire as a full assembly: door, frame, glass and hardware. An interior fire-door label doesn’t mean it’s rated for wildfire.
- FirebrandFire Science
Another word for an ember: a burning piece carried from a fire that can start a new one where it lands.
Source: CAL FIRE · Home hardening
- FireFree 88Wildfire Mitigation
A brand of intumescent coating that swells into an insulating layer when heated. Performance depends on the tested system; it doesn’t replace required clearance.
Source: www.firefree.com
- Firewise USAAgencies & Programs
The NFPA’s program for neighborhoods that organize to reduce wildfire risk together. Recognition can count toward insurance discounts.
- FuelDefensible Space
Anything that can burn: plants, grass, wood, debris and petroleum-based materials.
- Fuel BreakDefensible Space
A strip where vegetation is cleared or thinned to slow a fire and give crews access.
Source: VCFD Guideline 412 (definitions)
- Fuel ContinuityDefensible Space
How connected fuels are, side to side or ground to canopy. Breaking the connections breaks the path fire travels.
- Fuel ModificationDefensible Space
Reducing or changing vegetation to lower how much can burn and how intensely.
Source: VCFD Guideline 412 (definitions)
- Fuel Modification PlanDefensible Space
An approved, site-specific vegetation plan, usually required for new construction in high-hazard areas. Once approved, it governs what you plant and maintain.
Source: LACoFD · Fuel modification
- Fuel MoistureFire Science
How much water is in vegetation. The drier the fuel, the easier it ignites.
- Fuel MosaicDefensible Space
Clearing in irregular islands rather than straight lines, to reduce fuel while softening the visual and ecological impact.
Source: VCFD Guideline 412 (definitions)
- Garage Door Weather SealsWildfire Mitigation
Weather stripping that closes gaps around a garage door so embers can’t blow in. Check the bottom seal for wear.
- Gutter GuardsWildfire Mitigation
Noncombustible covers that keep leaves out of gutters. They help, but you still have to keep roofs and gutters clean; both VCFD and LA County require it.
- HardscapeDefensible Space
Non-living landscape surfaces such as concrete, stone, pavers and gravel. In Zone 0, it’s the go-to replacement for mulch and plants.
Source: 2025 Ventura County WUI Code
- Hazardous Fuel ReductionDefensible Space
Thinning, pruning and removing vegetation and debris so a fire burns cooler and slower.
Source: Public Resources Code §4291
- High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
The middle of CAL FIRE’s three hazard ratings. In a State Responsibility Area it triggers state defensible space law; in a Local Responsibility Area it doesn’t, though AB 38 still applies in VCFD’s jurisdiction.
- Home HardeningWildfire Mitigation
Upgrading your home’s roof, vents, eaves, windows and siding so embers, heat and flame have a harder time getting in.
Need it done? See Home Hardening.
Source: CAL FIRE · Home hardening
- Horizontal SpacingDefensible Space
The gap between plants or tree crowns. CAL FIRE’s guidance widens it on steeper slopes. VCFD requires new tree crowns to be 20 feet apart in Zone 1 and 10 feet apart in Zone 2.
- IBHSAgencies & Programs
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, an insurer-funded research lab that tests how homes survive disasters.
Source: ibhs.org
- IBHS Wildfire Prepared ProgramAgencies & Programs
IBHS’s voluntary home designation for meeting its wildfire standards. Many insurers recognize it. IBHS decides who qualifies; we can complete the work it requires.
Need it done? See Home Hardening.
Source: IBHS · Wildfire Prepared
- Ignition-Resistant ConstructionWildfire Mitigation
Building with materials and assemblies tested to resist wildfire exposure. It lowers the odds of ignition; it doesn’t make a home fireproof.
- Insurance Non-RenewalInsurance & Real Estate
When your insurer declines to continue your policy at the end of its term. After a declared wildfire emergency, state law can temporarily bar non-renewals in nearby ZIP codes.
Need it done? See Insurance Mitigation Requests.
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- Intumescent CoatingWildfire Mitigation
A coating that swells into an insulating layer when heated. Results depend on the product, surface and tested system.
Source: www.firefree.com
- Ladder FuelsDefensible Space
Low branches and shrubs that let a ground fire climb into trees. Removing them is one of the most effective clearance steps.
- Local Responsibility Area (LRA)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
Land where a city or local district is responsible for fire protection. State defensible space law applies here only in Very High zones (Government Code §51182).
- Los Angeles County Fire Department (LA County Fire)Agencies & Programs
LACoFD serves unincorporated Los Angeles County and contract cities including Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and Westlake Village. It enforces the County Fire Code’s brush clearance rules.
- Malibu Lake Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A neighborhood fire safe council in the Malibu Lake area.
Source: cafiresafecouncil.org
- Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (MFHSZ)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
The lowest of CAL FIRE’s three hazard ratings. In a State Responsibility Area, state defensible space law still applies; in a Local Responsibility Area, it doesn’t.
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)Agencies & Programs
The nonprofit that writes many U.S. fire codes and runs the Firewise USA program.
Source: www.nfpa.org
- Noncombustible MaterialsWildfire Mitigation
Materials that won’t burn, such as concrete, stone, masonry and metal. The whole assembly still has to meet code.
- Nonfunctional TurfDefensible Space
Grass that isn’t in a recreational area or community space, including turf in street medians and parking lots. AB 1572 ends potable-water irrigation of it.
Need it done? See AB 1572 Nonfunctional Turf Removal.
Source: Water Code §10608.12 · Water Code §10608.14
- Notice of Public NuisanceWildfire Laws & Regulation
A formal order to fix a property condition. For fire hazards, it means the authority has declared your vegetation or debris a hazard and set a correction deadline.
Need it done? See Vacant Lot Clearing & Nuisance Abatement.
- Oak Park Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A volunteer group supporting wildfire preparedness in Oak Park.
Source: opfsc.org
- OSFM WUI Listed ProductsWildfire Mitigation
Products the State Fire Marshal has listed for wildfire-exposure use. The listing covers a specific model, surface and installation.
- ParcelInsurance & Real Estate
A legally defined piece of land, identified by its APN. Fire rules apply by parcel, not by mailing address.
Source: VCFD Guideline 412 (definitions)
- Phos-Chek FORTIFYWildfire Mitigation
A long-term fire retardant sprayed on vegetation. It doesn’t replace required clearance.
Source: www.perimeter-solutions.com
- Potable WaterDefensible Space
Drinking-quality water. Under AB 1572, covered properties can’t use it on nonfunctional turf, though tree watering is still allowed.
Source: Water Code §10608.14
- PRC 4291: Defensible SpaceWildfire Laws & Regulation
The state law requiring 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas. It also requires keeping roofs clear of debris and trees 10 feet from chimneys.
Need it done? See Fire Department Inspection Preparation.
Source: Public Resources Code §4291
- Radiant HeatFire Science
Heat that travels through the air from a fire. It can crack windows and ignite siding without flames ever touching the house.
Source: CAL FIRE · Home hardening
- Safer From WildfiresInsurance & Real Estate
The California Department of Insurance framework that lists the property and community mitigation steps insurers must recognize in their rates.
Need it done? See Insurance Mitigation Requests.
Source: CDI · Safer from Wildfires
- Santa Ana WindsFire Science
Hot, dry offshore winds in Southern California, strongest in fall and winter. They drive the region’s fastest-moving fires and carry embers far ahead.
- Santa Monica Mountains Regional Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A regional group supporting wildfire preparedness across the Santa Monica Mountains.
Source: www.smmfsc.org
- Santa Susana Mountains Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A fire safe council for communities near the Santa Susana Mountains.
Source: cafiresafecouncil.org
- SB 504 (2024): Defensible Space and GrantsWildfire Laws & Regulation
A 2024 law that updated defensible space rules, including Zone 0 implementation, and fire-prevention grant priorities.
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- SB 547 (2025)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
A 2025 law extending cancellation and non-renewal protections to commercial property insurance after declared emergencies.
Need it done? See Commercial.
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- SB 824 (2018): Non-Renewal MoratoriumWildfire Laws & Regulation
The law that temporarily stops insurers from dropping homes in ZIP codes near a declared wildfire emergency. The Insurance Commissioner announces the affected ZIP codes.
Need it done? See Insurance Mitigation Requests.
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- Split Fire Hazard Severity Zone ParcelWildfire Laws & Regulation
A parcel with more than one hazard rating. In VCFD’s jurisdiction, the highest rating applies to the whole parcel.
- State Responsibility Area (SRA)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
Land where the state is responsible for wildfire protection. State defensible space law applies here in every hazard zone (Public Resources Code §4291). In Ventura and LA counties, the county fire department protects it under contract.
- Surface FireFire Science
Fire burning through grass, brush and debris on the ground. With ladder fuels, it can climb into trees.
- Tempered GlassWildfire Mitigation
Heat-treated glass that resists breaking from radiant heat. CAL FIRE recommends dual-pane windows with at least one tempered pane.
Source: CAL FIRE · Home hardening
- TopographyFire Science
The shape of the land: slope, elevation and aspect. Fire runs faster uphill.
- VCFPD Ordinance 34Wildfire Laws & Regulation
Ventura County Fire Protection District’s fire code ordinance, effective January 1, 2026. Section 617 sets VCFD’s AB 38 rules for home sales.
Need it done? See AB 38 Inspection Preparation.
- Ventu Park Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A neighborhood fire safe council serving Ventu Park in Newbury Park.
Source: vpfs.org
- Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD)Agencies & Programs
VCFD serves all of Ventura County except the cities of Ventura, Oxnard and Fillmore, including Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Camarillo. It runs the Fire Hazard Reduction Program.
- Ventura Regional Fire Safe CouncilAgencies & Programs
A nonprofit supporting wildfire education and mitigation across Ventura County.
Source: venturafiresafe.org
- Vertical SpacingDefensible Space
The gap between a shrub and the tree branches above it. VCFD requires at least three times the shrub’s height.
- Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
CAL FIRE’s highest hazard rating. State defensible space law applies here in both State and Local Responsibility Areas.
- Water Code 10608.14Wildfire Laws & Regulation
The AB 1572 deadlines: 2027 for public agency properties, 2028 for commercial, industrial and institutional properties, and 2029 for HOA common areas.
Need it done? See AB 1572 Nonfunctional Turf Removal.
Source: Water Code §10608.14
- Water Code 1846Wildfire Laws & Regulation
The penalty section for AB 1572 turf violations.
Source: Water Code §1846
- Wildfire ExposureFire Science
How a wildfire reaches a building: radiant heat, hot gases, direct flame and embers.
Source: VCFD Guideline 412 (definitions)
- Wildfire Preparedness WeekAgencies & Programs
CAL FIRE’s annual spring campaign urging Californians to get homes ready before fire season.
Source: www.readyforwildfire.org
- Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)Wildfire Laws & Regulation
Where homes meet wildland vegetation. VCFD’s Wildland-Urban Interface Code sets defensible space and Zone 0 rules for these areas.
- Zone 0Defensible Space
The first 5 feet around your home, decks included. No statewide rule is in effect yet (the state’s emergency rule was withdrawn on September 8, 2026), but VCFD already enforces its own Zone 0 rules.
Need it done? See Fire Department Inspection Preparation.
- Zone 1Defensible Space
5 to 30 feet from your home: thin and separate plants so fire can’t run to the house. In VCFD’s jurisdiction it extends to 50 feet on slopes over 20%.
- Zone 2Defensible Space
30 to 100 feet from your home, or to your property line: reduce and space fuels so an approaching fire drops to the ground.
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