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Noncombustible materials
Which fence and gate materials count as noncombustible, and how that is tested and documented.
Adopted, not in force Statewide rule adopted Aug 19, 2026. Not in force as of Nov 10, 2026.
Start with the guide
GuideWhat is noncombustible material? The Zone 0 definitionNoncombustible material means it passes the ASTM E136 furnace test, per WUI Code 501.4.1. What passes for Zone 0, what fails, and how to prove it (Nov 2026).Updated Questions in this topic
- Does aluminum melt in a fire? Wildfire and house fire heat
The melting point of aluminum next to measured wildfire and house fire temperatures, how long the heat lasts, and what a melted fence section means for Zone 0.
Updated
- Is aluminum noncombustible? What the E136 tests show
Is aluminum noncombustible? Yes in solid form: alloys tested to ASTM E136 passed. It melts at 660 C, which is not burning. What a Zone 0 buyer should ask for.
Updated
- Is powder coated aluminum noncombustible? The 501.4.1 test
How a powder coat fits the thin-surfacing exception in the California WUI Code, what an E84 fire rating does and does not prove, and which papers to ask for.
Updated
- Is vinyl fence fire resistant? What Zone 0 means for PVC
Vinyl fence is harder to ignite than wood but still combustible, so it fails the Zone 0 noncombustible test. What NIST, IBHS and San Diego say (Nov 2026).
Updated
Related topics
Fences and gatesHow Zone 0 applies to fences, gates and their attachments in the first 5 feet around a home.
Product comparisonsSide-by-side comparisons of fence and gate materials and products for Zone 0.
CostWhat replacing or retrofitting a fence for Zone 0 costs, with ranges and the basis for each.