Fire Hazard Severity Zone

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Updates to Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

On Monday, March 10, 2025, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) released new fire-hazard severity maps that indicate where the State’s fire safety regulations apply and identify the responsibility for where local and county fire departments are responsible for responding to fires.

To view the updated maps, please view the map below or click on the link here: Cal Fire Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps.

What is a Fire Hazard Severity Zone?

A “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” (FHSZ) is a geographic area classified by the state as having a moderate, high, or very high risk of wildfire based on factors like vegetation, terrain, weather patterns, and fire history, essentially identifying regions where the potential for a severe wildfire is significantly elevated; these zones are primarily used in California by CAL FIRE to guide building codes and wildfire mitigation strategies in high-risk areas.

Introduction Video

Watch CAL FIRE’s Introduction Video to learn about Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area.

Updating Maps

CAL FIRE has sent letters to all cities, counties, and fire protection districts to notify stakeholders of the transmittal of new Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps in January of 2025.

• Government Code 51178 requires the State to identify moderate and high zones in addition to very high fire hazard areas.
• The last LRA map published in 2007 only contained “very high hazards.”
• 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.

Comments

While there is no formal comment period required by State Law, comments & questions can be submitted via form below.

Town Hall Meetings

The City will host a series of Town Hall meetings with city officials to answer frequently asked questions about the new maps. Please see the schedule below for updates:

District 1 Town Hall

(Cabrillo, Channel Islands, Oxnard Dunes, Oxnard Shores, River Ridge, Sea Air, Sea View Estates, South Bank, Via Marina, Victoria Estates, and Windsor North)

Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Hollywood Beach Elementary School 4000 Sunset Lane, Oxnard

Districts 1 and 2 Town Hall

(Victoria Estates, Windsor North, River Ridge, South Bank, Wagon Wheel and RiverPark)

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Rio Del Norte Elementary School 2500 Lobelia Dr, Oxnard

Districts 5 and 6 Town Hall

(Southwinds and Cypress)

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Haycox Elementary School (5400 Perkins Rd.)

Downloadable Resources

Web Resources