In this episode, we talk with Sheryl Drinkwater, an architect working at the intersection of design and wildfire, in the Bay Area. We talked about new wildfire regulations recently adopted for portions of the Berkeley Hills which are among the most stringent in the nation – they require homeowners to maintain the first five feet out from their house free of combustible materials.
The new Berkeley code is based on regulations being developed by the California State Board of Forestry, which will likely apply to all high fire hazard areas across the State. The BOF has a deadline of December 2025 to finish developing these regulations.
We also talked about working in disaster zones, and a need to develop new aesthetic visions for what the classic California home should look like, if it is to survive inevitable wildfires.
Sheryl is also the Director of the Diablo Firesafe Council.
Our Interview
Map of the new ‘Zone 4’ in the Berkeley Hills, which will require compliance with Zone Zero regulations, starting in 2026.
Summary of Interview
Sheryl Drinkwater, an architect and home hardening specialist, discussed the new defensible space regulations in Berkeley, California. She highlighted her experience with the Cal OES SAP program, which led her to focus on fire resilience. The Ember ordinance creates a new fire zone (Zone 4) east of Grizzly Peak Boulevard, requiring homes to comply with Zone Zero standards by January 1, 2026, with inspections starting mid-2026. Key requirements include no in-ground vegetation, a five-foot non-combustible zone, and specific plant regulations. Drinkwater emphasized the importance of community education and partnerships to ensure compliance.
Introduction and Background of Sheryl Drinkwater
- Zeke Lunder introduces Sheryl Drinkwater, head of the Diablo Firesafe Council, in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, and an architect interested in fire resilience.
- Sheryl explains her journey to becoming a home hardening specialist, starting with her certification as a Cal OES SAP in 2015.
- She shares her experiences during the 2017 Tubbs fire and the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, where she performed safety assessments on surviving structures, and learned about the impact of fire on structures.
Impact of Fire Assessments and Personal Reflections
- Sheryl discusses the challenges of assessing partially impacted structures and the question of why some homes burn while others do not.
- Zeke Lunder shares his personal experience of being in Paradise during the winter and the emotional impact of the fire.
- Sheryl reflects on the care and appreciation she received from the program she was in, which helped her feel energized and motivated to help others.
- She describes her involvement with the Diablo Fire Safe Council, her efforts to get a job with the Oakland Fire Department, and her attendance at conferences to learn more about fire safety.
Challenges and Practical Realities of Home Hardening in Berkeley
- Zeke Lunder asks about the practical reality of home hardening work in Berkeley and the willingness of people to comply with regulations.
- Sheryl explains the different types of people in the community: those who take action, those who are floundering, and those who are resistant.
- She discusses the Ember initiative in Berkeley, which creates a new fire zone (Zone 4 – see map, above) and the expectations for compliance with most of the State’s upcoming Zone 0 requirements.
- Sheryl highlights the importance of focusing on the middle group of people who are trying to learn and take action.
Details of the Ember Ordinance and Fire Zones in Berkeley
- Sheryl provides an overview of the Ember proposal, which creates a new fire zone (Zone 4) and the requirements for new construction and existing homes.
- She explains the timeline for inspections and the specific requirements for no in-ground vegetation, non-combustible zones, and the removal of certain plants.
- Zeke Lunder and Sheryl discuss the emotional challenges of removing mature trees and plants that have sentimental value.
- Sheryl emphasizes the importance of drying and airflow for maintaining healthy homes and the need for a five-foot non-combustible zone around the house.
Discussion on Maintaining Vegetation and Fire Safety
- Zeke Lunder and Sheryl discuss the arguments for maintaining well-irrigated vegetation as a thermal shield and the challenges of water conservation during droughts.
- Sheryl shares her experiences from post-fire assessments in Los Angeles, where even cacti and succulents burned under the right conditions.
- They talk about the impracticality of having a ‘personal facilities manager’ to maintain irrigation systems and the need for a different approach in a drying planet.
- Sheryl promotes the use of metal privacy screens as a non-combustible and low-maintenance alternative to wood.
Architectural Innovations and Future Directions
- Zeke Lunder asks about other architects who are involved in home hardening and the need for a new esthetic vision for fire-resistant homes.
- Sheryl mentions Michelle Barbato at UC Davis and the use of clay earth blocks as a non-combustible material for new construction.
- They discuss the challenges of retrofitting existing homes with fire-resistant materials and the focus on cyclical projects like siding and window replacements.
- Sheryl expresses her excitement about partnerships and learning from respected speakers and colleagues in the field.
Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts
- Zeke Lunder shares his personal experiences of observing the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm in-person, and his conviction that rebuilding should be done differently.
- Sheryl agrees and discusses the political challenges of rebuilding quickly versus taking the opportunity to build differently.
- They talk about the economic factors influencing the choice of materials like Hardie board.
- Sheryl shares her excitement about the potential for new partnerships and continuing to learn and help people protect their homes.