Why do we have Fire Hazard Severity Zones?

• Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies in order to reduce wildfire risks.
• Legislative response led to mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRAs)
• The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89.

What do Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps Tell Us?

• FHSZ maps evaluate "hazard", not "risk". 
• They are similar to flood zone maps, where lands are described in terms of the probability level of a particular area being inundated by floodwaters and are not specifically prescriptive of impacts
• "Hazard": Based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period without considering mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfire, or fuel reduction efforts
• "Risk": Potential damage a fire can do to the area under existing conditions, accounting for any modifications such as fuel reduction projects, defensible space, and ignition resistant construction.

How Are FHSZ Maps Determined? 

• Developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior.
• Many factors are considered, including:
  
  • Fire history
  • Existing and potential fuel
  • Predicted flame length
  • Blowing embers
  • Terrain
  • Typical Fire Weather for the area
• 3 levels of hazard in the State Responsibility Areas. The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify within these areas.
  • Moderate
  • High
  • Very High

What is my FHSZ? Where Can I Learn More?

• Residents can determine their FHSZ by visiting this link: 
• CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zones Educational Info