Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Updates

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), under the direction of the State Fire Marshal, recently updated the state’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), which includes San Miguel Fire & Rescue (SMFR). 

It is important for the public to understand that SMFR does not control the creation of the map, but is required to ensure the community has the opportunity to review and provide feedback. To submit a comment please review this page and scroll down to the “How to Submit Public Comment” section.

What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones?

The State Fire Marshal is required to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, or very high fire hazard severity zones. These designations are determined by a computer model that uses scientific methods and local climate data to assess factors that have been identified as major causes of wildfire spread such as: vegetation type and density, slope, weather, winds, and historical fire data. The hazard rating in the local responsibility area also reflects flame and ember intrusion hazards from adjacent wildlands and from flammable vegetation in the urban area. 

Further information regarding the maps creation can be viewed here: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones

What's New?

Previous maps only included the very high fire hazard severity zones. The updated maps now show the moderate and high zones in addition to the very high fire hazard severity zone (Senate Bill 63, Stern, 2021).

General overview of San Miguel Fire & Rescue’s state mandated adoption process:

1. Maps are transmitted to the local agencies in our region on March 24, 2025.
2. Agencies have 30 days to make the maps publicly available for review and comment (GOV § 51178.5).
3. San Miguel Fire & Rescue has 120 days to adopt these maps by ordinance (GOV § 51179).
4. Agencies may not decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area. (GOV § 51179).
5. Once adopted, the ordinance will go into effect within 30 days or no later than July 31, 2025.

How Do I View the FHSZ LRA Maps?

Maps may be viewed clicking one of the links below. A comparison map is also provided to show the previous LRA map.

• FHSZ Map with Address Lookup and Comparison Slider
• FHSZ Map Side By Side Comparison

How Will Fire Protection Regulations Apply to Each Zone?

Please review the chart provided by CAL FIRE.

What to Do If Your Property Is in Fire Hazard Zone

Use the resources below to protect your home from wildfire through these recommended actions:

1. Creating defensible space
2. Hardening your home
   • Install ember-resistant vents and fireproof roofing materials.
   • Ensure windows are dual-paned with tempered glass.
3. Selecting fire-smart plants
   • Plant drought-tolerant and fire-resistant plants.
   • Avoid highly flammable species like junipers and cypress at least 30 feet from the structures.
4. Have an emergency plan
   • Create a family evacuation plan.
   • Build an emergency kit.
   • Stay informed by signing up for Genasys Protect

How Will the Map Affect My Insurance?

Please see State Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara’s, response here.

How to Submit Public Comment

You may submit comments through the online form to share your feedback through July 16, 2025. Feedback received will be shared with the California Board of Forestry & Fire Protection. 

If you do not reside in SMFR's jurisidictional boundary, please submit comment to your local fire agency. If you are unsure who your local fire authority is, you can find out here.