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Fire, Fuel & Live Cooking · Immediate-zone answer

What Is Zone Zero Around a Wildfire-Exposed Home?

Zone Zero is a term increasingly used for the first roughly five feet around a structure and attached elements. The concept is simple: the closer combustible material sits to the building, the easier it can be for a small ember ignition to become a structure fire.

Planning guidance — final supplied configuration remains project-specific.
Modern home with a low-combustibility near-building landscape edge
01

The immediate zone gets first attention

NFPA Firewise material treats the home and immediate 0–5 foot area as the highest-priority ignition zone. California's defensible-space framework also uses a Zone 0 concept closest to the structure.

Exact legal requirements vary. Treat the distance as a planning concept unless the local code or fire authority adopts a specific rule for the project.

02

Look for small combustible bridges

Mulch, leaves, dry grass, stored timber, welcome mats, furniture cushions, planters and fence connections can all sit within this immediate zone.

The useful task is to reduce or relocate easy ignition sources and keep the area inspectable and maintainable.

Reference sources

Official guidance behind this resource.

Use these sources alongside the exact product instructions and the rules that apply at the project location.

U.S. EPA · Burn Wise archiveBackyard Recreational FiresOpen source U.S. EPA · Burn Wise archiveFacts, Health & Safety Tips for Wood BurningOpen source NFPAEducational Messages Desk Reference · Outdoor Fire & Wildfire SafetyOpen source National Weather ServiceUnderstanding Wildfire Warnings, Watches and BehaviorOpen source National Interagency Fire CenterPrepare and Protect Your HomeOpen source California Board of Forestry & Fire ProtectionDefensible Space Zones 0, 1 and 2Open source

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Related Fire, Fuel & Live Cooking resources

What Is Defensible Space?Open resource Wildfire Home Ignition Zone GuideOpen resource

Reference this resource

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Link to the live page rather than a saved copy so readers reach the current Apollo planning resource and its latest product and planning links.

Permanent guide URLapollonzglobal.com/knowledge-centre/fire-fuel-live-cooking/what-is-zone-zero

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