SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Reeling from destructive wildfires, including the deadliest in California history, state lawmakers in 2020 passed new requirements for clearing combustible materials like dead plants and wooden furniture within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of homes in risky areas.

Noozhawk republishes news articles from CalMatters on state and local policy issues that impact Santa Barbara County readers. In 1955, the

Henry Stern, who was part of a group of lawmakers ... to the new rules because they are deemed at highest fire risk by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

California's delay in implementing crucial fire safety regulations leaves homes vulnerable to devastating wildfires.