CalFire Releases Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps

CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps are essential tools for understanding wildfire risk in California. Here's an overview:

Purpose:

• These maps classify areas within California's State Responsibility Areas (SRA) based on their potential wildfire hazard.
• They help inform decisions related to land use planning, building codes, and community wildfire preparedness.
• The maps are designed to show "hazard" which is based on the physical conditions that create the likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period. This is different from "risk" which would include mitigation efforts.

Key Features:

• Classifications:
  • The maps categorize areas into:
    • Moderate
    • High
    • Very High fire hazard severity zones.
• Factors Considered:
  • The maps are developed using a science-based model that considers various factors, including:
    • Fire history
    • Vegetation (fuel)
    • Terrain
    • Weather patterns
    • Ember production and movement.
• State Responsibility Areas (SRA):
  • These maps primarily focus on SRA, which are areas where CAL FIRE has the primary responsibility for wildfire suppression.
• Accessibility:
  • CAL FIRE provides access to these maps through various online resources, allowing residents to check the fire hazard severity of their properties.
  • They provide PDF maps, and also online map viewers.

Importance:

• These maps play a crucial role in:
  • Guiding homeowners in creating defensible space.
  • Informing building codes and regulations.
  • Aiding in community wildfire preparedness efforts.

Where to Find Information:

The official CAL FIRE website is the primary source for these maps and related information. Specifically the OSFM (Office of the State Fire Marshall) pages.  https://fire-hazard-severity-zones-rollout-calfire-forestry.hub.arcgis.com/pages/access-map

A copy of just the Rio Dell map can be found here.

You are encouraged to review the map and provide comments.  Comments can be provided by email at [email protected] or by mail or dropping off comments at City Hall, 675 Wildwood Avenue.  The City Council is scheduled to consider Ordinance No. 413-2025 adopting the Map at their meetings of April 1, 2025 and April 15 2025.  Residents can comment on the map at both meetings.