California Delays Fire-Resistant Home Law Implementation

California's lawmakers passed new fire safety regulations in 2020 requiring homeowners in high-risk areas to clear combustible materials within 5 feet of their homes, but these rules have yet to be implemented, leaving many properties vulnerable to wildfires. The regulations were set to take effect on January 1, 2023, but the state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has not established a timeline for their completion. The recent Palisades Fire, which destroyed over 5,000 structures, highlighted the urgency of these measures, with experts suggesting that compliance could have mitigated some damage. Lawmakers, including Sen. Henry Stern, express frustration over the lack of progress, feeling a sense of failure in the face of destructive wildfires. Under the proposed rules, homeowners would have three years to conform, but the absence of clear guidelines raises concerns about future fire safety. The delay in implementing these critical safety laws underscores the ongoing challenges California faces in protecting vulnerable communities from devastating wildfires.