If you’re a homeowner in California, it’s important to understand the state’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). These zones are used to classify the fire hazard in different areas based on factors like vegetation, fire history, and terrain. If you live in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, you’re typically required to comply with certain building codes. It can also impact your home insurance options.
How are fire hazard severity zones determined?
The CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal determines California’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on factors that indicate a likelihood of fires over a 30- to 50-year period. They classify fire hazard, not fire risk, similar to flood zone maps. The Fire Hazard Severity Zone is used to understand the probability and potential intensity of a fire occurring in a given area, rather than the specific impacts to property (which is "risk").
The factors that are used to classify Fire Hazard Severity Zones include:
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Fire history
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Potential fuels, like natural vegetation
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Predicted fire behavior (including flame length and blowing embers)
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Blowing embers
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Terrain
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Typical fire weather in the area
What are fire hazard severity zones used for?
California’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones are used for a variety of purposes, including for government and agency planning, and property owner preparedness. Here are some of the main uses for the Fire Hazard Severity Zones:
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Wildfire hazard assessment: The Fire Hazard Severity Zones helps the state understand the unique wildfire hazard in a given area. This enables local firefighters and wildland firefighters to better prepare for potential fire risks.
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Local building codes: Local municipalities can use Fire Hazard Severity Zones to implement building codes to reduce fire damage. For example, in certain zones, houses (new construction or major remodels) could be required to be built with fire-resistant exterior walls and other exterior components (like vents, windows, and roofing).
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Fire mitigation rules: Fire Hazard Severity Zones are used to establish fire mitigation rules, including defensible space standards. In High and Very High zones, for instance, homeowners are required to maintain specific “defensible space” clearances for trees and shrubs near their home.
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Homeowner preparedness: For homeowners in California, understanding your home’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone can help you prepare for a wildfire and take measures to reduce the chance of significant damage.
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Insurance risk analysis: Insurance companies in California can use Fire Hazard Severity Zones as a risk analysis tool when underwriting policies. It can also be a factor when setting home insurance premiums.
Understanding California’s fire hazard zones
California’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones specifically apply to State Responsibility Areas (SRAs), which are areas where the state (primarily through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE) assumes financial responsibility for wildfire management. These zones cover more than 31 million acres and over 1 million existing homes.
The Fire Hazard Severity Zones in SRAs are classified in three tiers — Moderate, High, and Very High. These categories depend on the average hazard across a given zone in the State Responsibility Area, with a minimum size of 80 acres.
Not all properties in California are located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Many homes are in Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs), where a local agency, like a city or county fire department, is financially responsible for wildfire prevention and suppression efforts. LRAs also have FHSZ maps (often with Moderate, High, and Very High designations) adopted by the local jurisdiction.
If you purchase a home in California, the seller is required to disclose if the home is located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (as part of the Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement). Buyers must be informed of the wildfire hazard in the area, and if there are fire safety regulations that they’re required to comply with.
How to check your home’s fire risk zone
If you own a house in California, it’s important to check your home’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone. To find out if your home is located in one of these areas, you can type your home address into an official online tool, like the one provided by CAL FIRE.
The search tool will tell you whether your property is located in a State Responsibility Area (SRA) or a Local Responsibility Area (LRA). You’ll also see the contact information for the local jurisdiction that is in charge of wildfire management and building code enforcement in your zone.
What to do if you’re in a high-risk fire zone
If you live in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, it’s essential to take extra precautions to protect your home from a potential wildfire. Here are some tips for mitigating wildfire risks.
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Check your home insurance coverage: Most home insurance policies cover your dwelling and personal belongings if they get damaged or destroyed in a wildfire. But if you live in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, you may face challenges with affordability and availability, or your insurer may require specific mitigation efforts. It’s important to check your policy to find out your coverage limits and deductible. If you are non-renewed by your standard carrier, you may need to look into specialized insurance or the California FAIR Plan.
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Use CAL FIRE resources: CAL FIRE offers a variety of free resources to educate homeowners about fire risks, and help them protect their property. For example, you can take an online home hardening self-assessment to determine your home’s vulnerability to embers, and get tips for preparing your roof, windows, gutters, porches, and other features. The agency also has tools to help you create a wildfire action plan.
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Clear debris from your yard: One of the biggest threats to properties in high-risk wildfires zones is combustible debris and vegetation in your yard. It’s a good idea to remove dead plants, leaves, tree branches, and other plant debris that could catch fire and spread to your house. Before you plant new vegetation, make sure to follow the defensible zone guidelines for your Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
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Have an evacuation plan: In case a wildfire does affect your area, it’s important to have an evacuation plan for your family. Keep a go bag or emergency kit easily accessible in case you need to leave quickly. Choose designated exit points in your home and study your city’s evacuation routes. It’s a good idea to conduct practice fire drills so everyone is on the same page if something happens.
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Store important documents in a fireproof container: Storing your important documents in a fire-rated safe or fireproof container can provide some peace of mind if you live in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. In addition to keepsakes, like family photos, you should also store passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, property deeds, and insurance documents. Keep the container in an accessible place so it can be taken if you need to evacuate.
