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Zone Zero in Modjeska Canyon: burned in 2007, evacuated in 2020

What the ember-resistant zone rules mean for this unincorporated canyon community, under its actual designation and its actual fire authority.

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Quick answer: Modjeska Canyon carries a Very High designation, with Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) as the local fire authority. Zone Zero requires an ember-resistant zone in the first 0 to 5 feet around structures in the mapped Very High areas, with the combustible-fence restriction taking effect immediately upon adoption of the final regulations.

The local snapshot

Where Modjeska Canyon stands

Modjeska Canyon wraps around Santiago Creek beneath Modjeska Peak, with homes tucked into oak and chaparral terrain that has carried fire twice in living memory. The community sits in OCFA's Local Responsibility Area, mapped Very High, and the Zone Zero ember-resistant zone requirement lands here with full force: the first 0 to 5 feet around every structure, kept free of combustible material.

Very High
FHSZ tier, Local Responsibility Area
2007
Santiago Fire burned through the canyon
2020
evacuated again in the Bond Fire
0–5 ft
the ember-resistant zone around every structure

Fire record

Burned in 2007, evacuated in 2020

The Santiago Fire burned through Modjeska in 2007 as part of its 28,445-acre run through the canyons, and the community evacuated again in December 2020 as the Bond Fire spread from neighboring Silverado. Nearly the same footprint, thirteen years apart. Modjeska's tight canyon geometry means embers arrive ahead of any flame front, which is precisely the mechanism Zone 0 (Zone Zero) compliance is designed to interrupt.

Who enforces it

Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)

OCFA is the Authority Having Jurisdiction here. The state Zone 0 framework is the floor; OCFA's adopted schedule and inspection program set the local specifics. Deadlines pages carry the state defaults; your jurisdiction sets the specifics, and this page names yours. For the requirements themselves, start with the regulations guide, fences and gates, and landscaping.

Questions

Quick answers

Does Zone Zero apply in Modjeska Canyon?

Yes. Modjeska is unincorporated Very High territory under OCFA, so the ember-resistant zone requirements apply to structures here.

Which fires have actually reached Modjeska Canyon?

The 2007 Santiago Fire burned through the canyon, and the 2020 Bond Fire forced evacuation as it spread from Silverado. Both fires moved through nearly the same set of canyon communities.

What should Modjeska homeowners fix first?

The attachments: combustible fencing and gates touching the house, and stored fuel in the first five feet. In canyon wind corridors, those are the ignition points embers find first.

Find out what your Modjeska Canyon property needs

A free assessment tells you exactly which Zone Zero requirements apply to your parcel, what your local fire authority will look for, and what to fix first. 100% free, no obligation.

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