Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ)

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The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) recently updated the State Responsibility Area (SRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps to reflect modern wildfire modeling and conditions. These updates are part of a statewide effort to strengthen fire preparedness and mitigation planning.

In Palm Desert, this means certain properties may now fall within a "Moderate," "High," or "Very High" zone, which can influence building codes, insurance, and defensible space requirements. The City is currently reviewing the updated maps and will provide opportunities for public input before adoption.

Elaboration:

  • Moderate FHSZ: These areas generally have a lower probability of wildfire ignition and spread, and the expected fire behavior is less intense.
  • High FHSZ: These areas have a greater probability of wildfire ignition and spread, and the expected fire behavior is more intense compared to Moderate zones.
  • Very High FHSZ: These areas are considered to have the highest potential for wildfire ignition and spread, with the most intense expected fire behavior.

The City of Palm Desert has received updated maps from the State Fire Marshal that identify fire hazard severity zones within the city. Per State Law (California 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. As part of this requirement, CAL FIRE has made recommendations for Local Responsibility Areas (“LRA”), which include incorporated cities, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection.

These maps are available to the public for review and comment until June 12, 2025. If you would like to submit public comment related to the adoption of fire hazard severity zones in the City of Palm Desert, please email: dhurtado@palmdesert.gov.



What must the City of Palm Desert do after receiving these recommendations?

  • Per California Government Code 51178.5, the City must make the updated information available for public review and comment within 30 days.
  • Per California Government Code 51179, the City must designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones within 120 days. While there is some flexibility to increase hazard severity zones, they are largely based on the recommendations made by CAL FIRE.

Can the City change the fire hazard zone recommendations by CAL FIRE?

  • The City may, at is discretion, include areas within its jurisdiction, which are not identified as very high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal as very high fire hazard severity zones following a finding supported by substantial evidence.
  • The City may, at its discretion, include areas within its jurisdiction, not identified as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal, as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.
  • The City may not decrease the level of any fire hazard severity zones as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within its jurisdiction.

Below is a map showing a comparison between the CAL FIRE recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) as of March 2025 and the current zones, which were last updated in 2007.




Videos:

The History of Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies to reduce wildfire risks. Legislative response led to mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRA).

What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones?

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

The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ)?

A: FHSZs are classifications developed by CAL FIRE that reflect the potential for wildfire in a given area. They consider vegetation, terrain, weather patterns, and fire behavior models. These zones help inform building standards, emergency preparedness, and mitigation planning.


Q: Why did CAL FIRE update the maps?

A: The updated maps use modern fire modeling techniques, better data, and reflect current wildfire risks. The last major update was over a decade ago, and conditions have significantly changed due to drought, vegetation growth, and climate shifts.


Q: How do I find out what zone my property is in?

A: Use CAL FIRE’s interactive map tool or check the City of Palm Desert’s map link. Enter your address to view whether your property falls in a “Moderate,” “High,” or “Very High” severity zone.


Q: Does this change impact homeowners' insurance?

A: While the FHSZ itself does not set insurance rates, insurers may consider hazard zones when evaluating coverage. Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance provider for more information.

The following information was provided by the California Department of Insurance for information related to insurance in general.


Q: What building regulations apply to properties in these zones?

A: Properties in High or Very High FHSZs are subject to California’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building standards, which may include fire-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents, and defensible space requirements.


Q: Will this affect existing homes or only new construction?

A: The updated zone maps primarily affect new construction and major remodels, but all property owners are encouraged to maintain defensible space and consider home hardening improvements to reduce wildfire risk.


Q: Can I appeal or comment on the FHSZ classification of my property?

A: Yes. CAL FIRE allows public comment and review during the map adoption process. The City of Palm Desert is also collecting feedback from residents to submit as part of this process. Feedback can be emailed to dhurtado@palmdesert.gov. To contact the State's Fire Marshal directly regarding these changes, you can email FHSZinformation@fire.ca.gov or call 916-633-7655.


Q: What does this mean for me right now?

A: No immediate changes are required, but it’s important to understand your property’s classification and take steps to prepare for wildfire. The City will provide updates on any new requirements or deadlines as the maps move through the state approval process.

The State has provided additional informational resources, which may be found at the links below:

  1. Link to LRA FHSZ fact sheet



Get Involved and Ask Questions

Please use the tools below to submit questions, and our team will respond as quickly as possible.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) recently updated the State Responsibility Area (SRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps to reflect modern wildfire modeling and conditions. These updates are part of a statewide effort to strengthen fire preparedness and mitigation planning.

In Palm Desert, this means certain properties may now fall within a "Moderate," "High," or "Very High" zone, which can influence building codes, insurance, and defensible space requirements. The City is currently reviewing the updated maps and will provide opportunities for public input before adoption.

Elaboration:

  • Moderate FHSZ: These areas generally have a lower probability of wildfire ignition and spread, and the expected fire behavior is less intense.
  • High FHSZ: These areas have a greater probability of wildfire ignition and spread, and the expected fire behavior is more intense compared to Moderate zones.
  • Very High FHSZ: These areas are considered to have the highest potential for wildfire ignition and spread, with the most intense expected fire behavior.

The City of Palm Desert has received updated maps from the State Fire Marshal that identify fire hazard severity zones within the city. Per State Law (California 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. As part of this requirement, CAL FIRE has made recommendations for Local Responsibility Areas (“LRA”), which include incorporated cities, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection.

These maps are available to the public for review and comment until June 12, 2025. If you would like to submit public comment related to the adoption of fire hazard severity zones in the City of Palm Desert, please email: dhurtado@palmdesert.gov.



What must the City of Palm Desert do after receiving these recommendations?

  • Per California Government Code 51178.5, the City must make the updated information available for public review and comment within 30 days.
  • Per California Government Code 51179, the City must designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones within 120 days. While there is some flexibility to increase hazard severity zones, they are largely based on the recommendations made by CAL FIRE.

Can the City change the fire hazard zone recommendations by CAL FIRE?

  • The City may, at is discretion, include areas within its jurisdiction, which are not identified as very high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal as very high fire hazard severity zones following a finding supported by substantial evidence.
  • The City may, at its discretion, include areas within its jurisdiction, not identified as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal, as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.
  • The City may not decrease the level of any fire hazard severity zones as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within its jurisdiction.

Below is a map showing a comparison between the CAL FIRE recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) as of March 2025 and the current zones, which were last updated in 2007.




Videos:

The History of Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies to reduce wildfire risks. Legislative response led to mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRA).

What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones?

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

The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ)?

A: FHSZs are classifications developed by CAL FIRE that reflect the potential for wildfire in a given area. They consider vegetation, terrain, weather patterns, and fire behavior models. These zones help inform building standards, emergency preparedness, and mitigation planning.


Q: Why did CAL FIRE update the maps?

A: The updated maps use modern fire modeling techniques, better data, and reflect current wildfire risks. The last major update was over a decade ago, and conditions have significantly changed due to drought, vegetation growth, and climate shifts.


Q: How do I find out what zone my property is in?

A: Use CAL FIRE’s interactive map tool or check the City of Palm Desert’s map link. Enter your address to view whether your property falls in a “Moderate,” “High,” or “Very High” severity zone.


Q: Does this change impact homeowners' insurance?

A: While the FHSZ itself does not set insurance rates, insurers may consider hazard zones when evaluating coverage. Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance provider for more information.

The following information was provided by the California Department of Insurance for information related to insurance in general.


Q: What building regulations apply to properties in these zones?

A: Properties in High or Very High FHSZs are subject to California’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building standards, which may include fire-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents, and defensible space requirements.


Q: Will this affect existing homes or only new construction?

A: The updated zone maps primarily affect new construction and major remodels, but all property owners are encouraged to maintain defensible space and consider home hardening improvements to reduce wildfire risk.


Q: Can I appeal or comment on the FHSZ classification of my property?

A: Yes. CAL FIRE allows public comment and review during the map adoption process. The City of Palm Desert is also collecting feedback from residents to submit as part of this process. Feedback can be emailed to dhurtado@palmdesert.gov. To contact the State's Fire Marshal directly regarding these changes, you can email FHSZinformation@fire.ca.gov or call 916-633-7655.


Q: What does this mean for me right now?

A: No immediate changes are required, but it’s important to understand your property’s classification and take steps to prepare for wildfire. The City will provide updates on any new requirements or deadlines as the maps move through the state approval process.

The State has provided additional informational resources, which may be found at the links below:

  1. Link to LRA FHSZ fact sheet



Get Involved and Ask Questions

Please use the tools below to submit questions, and our team will respond as quickly as possible.

Send Us Your Questions

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