RELEASE: Rep. Friedman’s Law Improving Wildfire Home Protection Will be Enforced Through New Executive Order

CALIFORNIA — Today, February 6, 2025, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman celebrated Governor Newsom directing the State Board of Forestry to expedite implementation of her legislation, AB 3074. This legislation, which Friedman led and got signed into law while in the California State Assembly, established new guidelines on ember-resistant zones within five feet of a structure, as part of defensible space requirements for buildings located in the highest fire severity zones.  

Since her legislation passed, and after the recent LA wildfires, Friedman has been calling on the State Board of Forestry to expedite these guidelines and help protect homes from future wildfires. 

“It’s past time we get these commonsense rules written and shared with the public. Not only will they help protect homes from wildfires, but they will help lower costs for homeowners and renters by lowering insurance rates,” said Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30). “It’s good that Governor Newsom is signing an executive order ensuring my legislation to protect our families is finally implemented.”  

WHAT IS AB 3074 & WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? 

• This bill would ensure that homes in very high fire hazard severity zone implemented “Zone 0” guidelines.
  • These guidelines help ensure that ember-resistant zones are established within five feet of homes. 
• CAL FIRE identified embers as the major cause of home loss. 
• According to CAL FIRE, up to 90% of home ignitions occur because of embers. 
  • Ember resistant zones help stop this. 

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