Summary
After several major wildfires in California, new laws were passed requiring CAL FIRE to identify areas at risk and develop strategies to reduce wildfire danger. This led to statewide fire hazard mapping under California Public Resources Code 4201–4204 for all State Responsibility Areas (SRA).
The process of identifying Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) began with Assembly Bill 337, passed in response to the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire. This law directed CAL FIRE to evaluate wildfire risk in local areas and recommend action to local governments when “Very High” risk zones are identified.
CAL FIRE’s Fact Sheet explains the background and purpose of these severity zones and includes helpful links for learning more.
Understanding Fire Hazard Severity Zones and Where to Learn More
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- 2024 Fire Hazard Severity Zones Explained (English) (0.32 MB) — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT : 2024 Fire Hazard Severity Zones (English)
- Fire Hazard Severity Zones Explained (Spanish) (0.29 MB) — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT : 2024 Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Spanish)