Existing fences
For homes in the proposed Zone 4, the EMBER proposal requires the removal of combustible fences attached to a structure in the 0-5 ft zone closest to the structure.
This attached fence must be removed
However, EMBER allows existing fences that are parallel to the structure even if they are within the 0-5 ft zone.
This parallel fence, if preexisting, may stay in place.
Prohibited fence sections may be replaced by non-combustible fence, for instance made of metal or masonry.
This deluxe privacy fence, made by Alumission, could be used to replace a combustible fence section, although at significant cost. There are much less expensive ways to do it!
Fences to be built
In the future (after the date of validity for EMBER), no new combustible fences may be built within 0-5 ft from a structure.
Gates
They are included in the definition of fences. Wherever “fence” is mentioned, read “fence or gate.”
This attached gate would have to be replaced.
This gate is not attached directly to the structure, but the fence it connects to does, and it is within 5 ft of the house. It would also have to be replaced.
Does it make a difference to replace the last fast 5 ft of a fence with noncombustible materials?
This 25-second video shows the difference between a fully combustible attached fence and a combustible fence where the last 5 ft have been replaced by noncombustible materials—have a look!
Why is EMBER requiring you to replace attached fences but not parallel fences?
Were we get in the domain of suppositions. Parallel fences are definitely a tad safer, since they do not bring the fire straight to the structure—but they are still extremely dangerous when within 5 feet of a structure. However, the cost of replacing 5 feet of fencing is small, but the potential cost of replacing tens or hundreds of feet of fencing could be truly unaffordable to many. The reason is likely to minimize the cost of EMBER in order to make it affordable to most.