Cal Fire FRAP Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) - Central Marin

CAL FIRE has released the updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, 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. Click here to learn more.

In accordance with Government Code Section 51178.5, the Central Marin Fire Authority is mandated to facilitate public access to the proposed map and host 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 Central Marin Fire Authority (CMFA) 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.

At Central Marin Fire Department, our top priority is ensuring the safety of our community and neighbors during wildfire season. Wildfires can spread rapidly, and being prepared to act quickly is critical to protecting yourself, your family, and your neighbors. Below, we’ve outlined essential tips, tools, and resources to help you stay informed and ready.

Wildfire Evacuation: A Comprehensive Guide for Central Marin

Wildfires are an inherent risk in Marin County, and their dynamic nature requires every resident to be prepared to act quickly and decisively. Evacuation planning is one of the most effective ways to protect lives during wildfire emergencies. This page serves as your detailed guide to wildfire evacuation, tailored to the unique terrain and challenges of Central Marin.

Understanding Evacuations

Wildfires are dynamic and influenced by numerous factors, making their behavior challenging to predict without precise knowledge of the ignition point, weather conditions, and terrain at the time of the fire. This unpredictability underscores the importance of having a well-prepared evacuation plan that can be adapted to real-time conditions. Public safety officials issue three primary types of notifications:

• Evacuation Warning: Prepare to leave. A short delay to gather essentials may be permissible, but readiness to depart immediately is critical.
• Evacuation Order: Leave immediately. Do not delay for any reason. Follow all instructions from authorities.
• Shelter in Place: Stay in a safe location when evacuation is unsafe or unnecessary.

Knowing the difference between these notifications and being ready to act can save lives.

Key Principles for Safe Evacuation

1. Evacuate Downhill Whenever Possible: Fires move uphill rapidly due to wind and radiant heat.
2. Take the Shortest Route to Safety: Time is critical. Use the quickest route to the valley floor or a designated safe area.
3. Stay in Your Vehicle When Evacuating: Vehicles provide protection from smoke, radiant heat, and embers.
4. Know Two or More Routes: Familiarize yourself with multiple paths out of your area to ensure flexibility during an emergency.
5. Avoid Fire Roads and Open Space Areas: These routes often have unburned vegetation and are not designed for evacuation.
6. Dress to Protect Yourself, Even in Your Car: Wear cotton or wool clothing, long sleeves, and long pants. Sturdy shoes or boots, leather gloves, goggles, a floppy cotton hat, and a cotton face covering with an N95 mask provide additional protection.

Step 1: Prepare Before a Wildfire

Create an Evacuation Plan

Develop a personalized evacuation plan for your household. Consider the following:

Pile burning Central Marin Fire Department - Larkspur and Corte Madera, CA as part of the GHreater Ross Valley Shaded Fuel Break

Starting the week of April 15, Firefighters, in cooperation with Marin County Parks and Open Space, will begin burning brush piles for disposal in Larkspur's Madrone Canyon (Redwood, Millard, Olive streets) and Kentfield's Blue Ridge. This work, funded by Measure A, is part of the multi-year "Greater Ross Valley Shaded Fuel Break" project. The Grea...