The wildland urban interface and the ember problem
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WUI = where development meets or mixes with undeveloped wildland vegetation.
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Embers (firebrands) travel far beyond the fire front and can ignite homes (Gov. Code §51175(a)).
What drives wildfire risk: topography, fuels and weather
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Fire runs faster uphill; a home above a brush slope faces more danger.
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Fuel = any combustible material, including landscape plants (PRC §4291).
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Fire hazard severity zones: fuel loading, slope, fire weather, wind (Gov. Code §51178).
Construction, mitigation and wildfire rating (10 CCR §2644.9)
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Wildfire rating plans must reflect community designations AND property-level mitigation.
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Hardening: Class-A roof, enclosed eaves, fire-resistant vents, multipane windows or shutters, 6-inch noncombustible clearance.
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Fuel, slope, access, aspect, wind = optional factors.
Defensible space under Public Resources Code §4291
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Defensible space: 100 feet, but not past the owner's property line.
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An insurer may require more only with a designated fire expert's findings and no other feasible mitigation.
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Ember-resistant zone: within 5 feet; existing structures get three more years.
Rebuilding, land use and planning laws
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Rebuilding: the final inspection report goes to the property insurer on request (PRC §4291(a)(5)).
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Subdivisions in high-risk areas need fire-safety and fire-protection findings (Gov. Code §66474.02).
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The general plan's safety element covers wildland and urban fire (Gov. Code §65302(g)(1)).