Fire Hazard Severity Zones

Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) & Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) Updates

The recent revisions to California's Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) offer a more accurate evaluation of wildfire risks by incorporating advanced fire modeling and contemporary climate data. These updates affect Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), shaping fire prevention strategies such as defensible space requirements, building codes, and real estate disclosure obligations.

 Rollout plan for Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area

Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) - 2025 FHSZ Updates

On March 24, 2025, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) released the 2025 Recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) in Riverside County. To view FHSZ map for Canyon Lake, please click the link below.

CANYON LAKE FHSZ MAP HERE

Use the link below to type in your address to view your Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) and Responsibility Area.

CAL FIRE - Fire Hazard Severity Zone Website

 

2025 LRA FHSZ Adoption

In accordance with state law, the Canyon Lake Fire Department is required to adopt the OSFM-recommended Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps by ordinance within 120 days of their release.

Local governments must review and adopt the updated maps to enhance community wildfire preparedness. Also, cannot downgrade state-designated hazard levels but may increase them with justification. California Code, GOV 51179

 

FHSZ Classification

Properties are categorized into MODERATE, HIGH, and VERY HIGH Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on:

  • Terrain and Topography 

  • Vegetation and Fuel Conditions 

  • Fire History and Frequency 

  • Climate and Weather Patterns 

State upgrades fire hazard severity zones | The Plumas Sun

Fire Hazard vs. Fire Risk

FHSZ maps identify the hazard potential, not the immediate risk. They do not factor in mitigation efforts such as defensible space, fire-resistant construction, or local firefighting capabilities.

 

Impact on Property Owners Homeowners in Very High FHSZ must:

  • Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Comply with home hardening requirements to reduce ignition risks.
  • Ensure new construction and renovations adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes.
  • Disclose FHSZ designation when selling property.

 

Homeowners in High FHSZ must:

  • Comply with home hardening requirements to reduce ignition risks.
  • Ensure new construction and renovations adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes.
  • Disclose FHSZ designation when selling property.

 

Additional Resources