Fire Hazard Safety Zone Maps
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Updates to Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps
On Monday, March 24, 2025, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps. These maps define areas where state fire safety regulations apply and clarify the responsibilities of local and county fire departments in fire response.
A Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) is a geographic area classified by the State as having a “Moderate,” “High,” or “Very High” wildfire risk. This classification is based on factors such as vegetation, terrain, weather patterns, and fire history. CAL FIRE primarily uses these zones to inform building codes and wildfire mitigation strategies in high-risk areas.
To view updated maps, click the map below.
About the State-mandated maps
- California Government Code Section 51178 requires the State to identify “Moderate” and “High” zones in addition to “Very High” fire hazard areas.
- The last Local Response Area map published in 2007 only contained “Very High” hazard zones.
- These updated maps may include new areas that were not previously identified by the State Fire Marshal.
- Specific actions are required by local jurisdictions to occur within 30 days and 120 days of transmittal.
City of Lemon Grove requirement in the first 30 days
- California Government Code Section 51178.5 requires local agencies to make the information available for public review and comment.
- The maps will be available on the City website for review and public comment at https://forms.lemongrove.ca.gov/Fire-Hazard-Severity-Zone-Map
- Public comments will be submitted with the staff report to the Lemon Grove City Council at the time of ordinance adoption.
City of Lemon Grove requirement in the first 120 days
- California Government Code Section 51179 requires the local agency to designate, by ordinance, “Moderate,” “High,” and “Very High” Fire Hazard Severity Zones within 120 days.
Timeline
- April 8 – May 8, 2025 – Receive public comment.
- May 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. – Hold Public Hearing related to Ordinance at the City Council Regular Meeting.
- May 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. – Hold Second Reading of Ordinance and Adoption of said Ordinance. *Date subject to change to June 3, 2025.
- After Adoption of Ordinance, submit Ordinance to Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Important Notes for Agencies with Local Response Agency
- California Government Code Section 51179 does not allow local agencies to decrease the level of Fire Hazard Severity Zone or to remove areas from the recommended map.
- California Government Code Section 51179 does allow a local agency to include additional areas not identified by the State Fire Marshal.
Contact Us
Lemon Grove City Hall
3232 Main Street
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
(619) 825-3800
Heartland Fire & Rescue
Lemon Grove Station 10
7853 Central Ave.
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
(619) 825-3835