Fuel Modification

Fuel Modification Zone

Fuel modification is a vital wildfire prevention measure in Newport Beach. It involves creating a strip of land between developed properties and wildlands where combustible vegetation is removed, thinned, or modified. This area may be partially or entirely replaced with approved drought-tolerant, fire-resistant, and/or irrigated plants to achieve an acceptable level of risk from vegetation fires.

This approach reduces radiant and convective heat, lowering heat exposure to roadways and structures. It also provides fire suppression personnel with a safer environment to take action. Fuel modification has consistently proven to be a critical factor in preventing wildfire spread to structures. When combined with the special building requirements outlined in California Building Code Chapter 7A, the likelihood of structural ignition is further minimized.

Fire Prevention staff conducts inspections in the spring and fall of each year. In the spring season, there are two separate cycles due to the NCCP (Gnat Catcher) Habitat. First the communities of Pelican Crest I and II shall comply with the vegetation requirements by the first week of February. The balance of the communities must comply by the end of May to avoid receiving a non-compliance letter. In the fall season, the Fuel Modification requirements for all homeowner associations must be completed by the last week of September to avoid receiving a non-compliance letter, including Pelican Crest I and II.

Fuel Modification Zones were provided by the developer and approved by the Fire Authority having jurisdiction during the original development of the tract. Fuel Modification Zones provide two necessary things that help in preventing the spread of fire: (1) distance to prevent direct flame impingement and (2) a reduced fuel load to remove the heat (BTUs) from the fire as it gets closer to the structure.

Currently, there are 24 developments or communities that are required to maintain Fuel Modification Zones. Typically Fuel Modification Zones extend 170 feet away from the rear property line. Within those 170 feet there are four zones that have different specifications to prevent fire from entering or exiting a community. Below is a quick summary of the four zones:

1. A Zone - Typically 20-feet in depth and within a homeowner’s parcel. Only non-combustible construction is allowed in the   A Zone. Flat level ground and irrigation required. Vegetation proposed must be from the approved plant list.
2. B Zone - Typically 50-feet in depth. Irrigation is required and vegetation proposed must be from the approved plant list. Construction material in this zone, if approved, shall conform to California Building Code Chapter 7A.
3. C Zone - Typically 50-feet in depth. 50% thinning of natural or existing vegetation and removal of all dead and dying. No irrigation required.
4. D Zone (where applicable) - Typically 50-feet in depth. 30% thinning of natural or existing vegetation and removal of all dead and dying. No irrigation required.

• Newport Beach Municipal Code Title 9.04.380 Amendments to Chapter 49 - Requirements for Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas

• Newport Beach Fire Department Guidelines and Standards - G.02 Fuel Modification Plans and Maintenance Standard 

Types of Vegetation

Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas have special requirements for new and existing vegetation. For more detailed information, refer to the Newport Beach Fire Department’s Fire Resistive and Undesirable Species List.

If you have questions, concerns, or inquiries please contact: 949-644-3106 or email nbfdwildland@nbfd.net or to request an inspection NBFD Wildland Inspection Request Form.