What is Zone 0? The 5-foot ember zone, explained

When a wildfire reaches a neighborhood, most homes don't burn from a wall of flame. They burn from embers — small, wind-blown pieces of burning material that land on or near the house, smolder, and ignite something combustible.

Zone 0, the 5 feet of ground immediately surrounding your home, is where those embers are most likely to start a fire that spreads to the structure. It's also the area you have the most control over.

Bark mulch, pine needles, and dry leaves. Combustible mulch ignites easily from embers and burns hot enough to set siding on fire.

Wood fences attached directly to the house. A wood fence can act as a fuse leading the fire straight to your siding.

Stored firewood, propane tanks, lumber, patio furniture cushions, doormats made of natural fiber, and anything else that burns.

Shrubs and woody plants under windows or against siding — especially juniper, rosemary, and other resinous species.

Hardscape: gravel, decomposed granite, pavers, concrete, or bare mineral soil.

Low, well-irrigated groundcover or a small number of well-spaced, well-watered ornamental plants kept short and pruned.

Metal patio furniture and noncombustible planters.

Walk the full perimeter of your home. At every point ask: if a glowing ember landed here right now, what would it ignite? Anything you can answer that question with — that's your Zone 0 problem to fix first.