As wildfires continue to reshape communities across California, faculty affiliated with the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management are helping bring scientific clarity to one of the state’s most urgent challenges: how to protect homes while preserving the benefits of urban vegetation.
Bren adjunct professor and wildfire specialist Max Moritz is co-author of a recent article published in The Conversation that examines California’s proposed “Zone 0” wildfire regulations, which would prohibit most plants within five feet of homes. Drawing on post-fire observations and emerging research, the article challenges the assumption that all vegetation near structures inherently increases fire risk.
Moritz’s work highlights a striking pattern seen after major fires, including those that swept through the Los Angeles region in January 2025: many homes burned while nearby green, well-maintained vegetation remained intact. In some cases, living plants appeared to act as buffers—absorbing heat, blocking embers, and slowing fire spread—while homes ignited due to vulnerabilities in building materials and design.
This research underscores a key principle long emphasized at Bren: environmental challenges rarely have one-size-fits-all solutions. Rather than focusing solely on vegetation removal, Moritz and his co-authors point to the importance of home hardening, thoughtful landscaping maintenance, and evidence-based policy that reflects the complex realities of fire behavior in urban environments.
Bren’s interdisciplinary approach—combining ecology, policy analysis, and applied science—positions the school to contribute meaningfully to conversations that influence real-world decision-making. Faculty research routinely bridges the gap between scientific discovery and public policy, ensuring that regulations are informed by the best available evidence.
s California and other fire-prone regions continue to adapt to a changing climate, Bren-affiliated research is helping policymakers, communities, and homeowners better understand how to reduce risk while maintaining resilient and livable landscapes.
Through scholarship, public engagement, and collaboration, Bren remains committed to advancing solutions that protect both people and the environment—now and in a more fire-prone future.
