Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map for the Local Response Area (LRA) Update
On February 24th Cal Fire and the State Board of Forestry released an update to the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map for the Local Response Area (LRA). The hazard maps are being updated to more accurately reflect the zones in California that are susceptible to wildfire.
The process in these updates have incorporated new science in local climate data and improved fire assessment modeling in determining hazard ratings. Local Responsibility Area (LRA) includes incorporated cities, urban regions, agriculture lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for fire protection.
The State Fire Marshal is required to identify areas in the State as Moderate, High, and Very High Severity Zones based on consistent statewide criteria and the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas – CA GOV Code 51178. The maps evaluate "Hazard", not "RIsk". Hazard is based on physical conditions that create expected fire behavior over a 50 year period without considering short-term modifications. Risk is the potential damage a fire can do to the area under existing conditions, including fuel reduction projects, defensible space, and ignition resistant building construction.
Insurance companies use risk models, which differ from hazard models, because they consider the susceptibility of a structure to damage from fire and other short-term factors that are not included in hazard modeling. It is unlikely that insurance risk models would utilize CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones as a factor, but much of the same data that is used in the Fire Hazard Severity Zone model are likely included in the insurance companies’ risk models. However, insurance risk models incorporate many additional factors that change more frequently than those that CAL FIRE includes in its hazard mapping, which is built to remain steady for the next 10+ years.
Over the next 120 days the Southern Marin Fire District will be adopting these maps by ordinance and will be assisting our neighboring cities with the adoption process.
The Southern Marin Fire District is committed to keeping our community safe and informed. Stay up-to-date on weather conditions, including incoming storms, flooding, and wildfire alerts, by following us on social media and visiting our website. Get real-time notifications and stay prepared—our communities safety is our priority.
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