CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal opened the public comment period for the 2026 State Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The comment window runs from November 9, 2026, to January 8, 2027, closing at 5:00 PM.
The update follows a statewide five-year review by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. This review adjusted the State Responsibility Area boundaries in 34 counties due to changes in land use, population, and jurisdiction.
When the SRA boundaries change, CAL FIRE must classify the fire hazard severity for those areas using a statewide model. This ensures new or modified lands receive accurate hazard designations.
The office started updating the maps in December 2022. The current maps were approved on January 31, 2024, and took effect April 1, 2024.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones exist to highlight areas prone to wildfire based on physical conditions. California’s dry climate increases wildfire likelihood, making these maps essential for planning and safety.
The maps use a science-based model considering factors like past fires, natural vegetation, predicted flame length, embers, terrain, and typical weather. The state categorizes hazards as moderate, high, or very high.
These maps show “hazard,” the likelihood and expected fire behavior over decades without factoring in mitigation steps like home hardening or fuel reduction. “Risk” reflects the potential damage given current conditions and any protective measures.
You can submit comments by mail, email, or online. Mail goes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, attention Rudy Baltazar, Assistant Chief. Email comments to [email protected] or use the webform on the Fire Hazard Severity Zone website.
To check your property’s hazard zone, use the interactive FHSZ Viewer available online.
For more information and resources, visit osfm.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ. Your input helps shape fire safety planning in your community.
