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.
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.
What Does It Mean If My Property Is In A State Designated "Severity Zone"?
The designation of a Moderate, High, or Very High Severity Zone indicates that enhanced building requirements and re-sale inspections may be required for your parcel. The Central Marin Fire Authority encourages all residents to visit the Cal Fire Fire Fire Hazard Severity Zone informational page. This page has videos and background information that explain the history of the severity zones in detail and the legislation supporting them in California.
Is The Fire Severity Zone Map a Structure Loss Model For My Neighborhood?
No. The Fire Severity Zones were designed to assist local governments and agencies to better implement measures to slow the spread of wildfire.
CAL Fire's Fire Severity Zones
California’s seasonally dry Mediterranean climate lends itself to wildfires, and in an effort to better prepare, CAL FIRE is required to classify the severity of fire hazard in areas of California.
The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications:
- Moderate
- High
- Very High
Several California laws reference Fire Hazard Severity Zones including California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89.
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.
Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Maps – Current & Historical Comparisons
Below are links to the latest 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for Corte Madera, Larkspur, Greenbrae, and other Marin area, as well as previous maps from 2007. These maps allow residents to compare past and present fire hazard classifications and understand changes in fire risk over time.
2025 FHSZ Maps
2007-2011 Maps
2008 WUI Maps (Local Designation)
NEW Proposed WUI Maps (Local Designation)
Resources
How to make a public comment.
Click here to submit your comments.
The public comment period is open effective March 20, 2025. The comment period will close on April 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Have Questions?
For questions about the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, but not public comments, please email:
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