NEW 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Maps

On February 24, 2025, CAL FIRE released the updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for the City of Petaluma, identifying areas with moderate, high, and very high wildfire risk within Local Responsibility Areas (LRA):

Check your property’s fire hazard classification and learn how these updates may impact you.

In accordance with Government Code Section 51178.5, the Petaluma Fire Department is mandated to facilitate public access to the proposed map and host a public comment period.

It is important for the public to understand that these maps are created by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the direction of the State Fire Marshal. Our local fire agency does not control the creation of the map but is required to ensure the community has the opportunity to review and provide feedback.

California Government Code Section 51179(a) mandates that local agencies "shall designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones in [their] jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178. The Petaluma Fire Department received these maps on February 24, 2025.

These maps aim to provide valuable information for land use planning, building code enforcement, and wildfire risk mitigation strategies. Public input can help identify concerns, validate data, and improve the understanding of how these zones may impact residents, businesses, and emergency response planning.

We encourage all residents and stakeholders to review the proposed maps, ask questions, and submit their comments. Your participation is a vital part of this state-mandated process and contributes to a safer, more informed community.

Authorities & References

Government Code 51178 The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.

Resources

Fire Hazard Severity Zones

Insurance Q&A

LRA Factsheet

Public Comment

Click here to submit your comment

The public comment period is open effective March 24, 2025. The comment period will close on April 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Questions?

For questions about the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, but not public comments, please email: [email protected]

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