Wildfire zones are areas that are prone to wildfires.

Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into the following classifications: Moderate, High, and Very High.

These zones are classified based on the severity of the fire hazard and the likelihood of a wildfire occurring.

The classification of these zones is required by law in California, and the fire hazard severity zone designations and accompanying maps must follow the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) and be approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL).

The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ).

To understand wildfire zones, it is important to understand the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior.

Wildland vegetation such as grass, brush, and timber can be extremely combustible.

The vegetation can burn with great intensity and produce firebrands and burning embers that can become wind-driven hazards.

Landscape vegetation can be as combustible as wildland vegetation.

Combustible plants have these characteristics: they have a high oil or resin content; they have a high sap or resin content; they have a low moisture content; they have a high surface-to-volume ratio; they have a high fuel load; they are dead or dying.

Homeowners in higher risk wildfire zones should take steps to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their homes by creating defensible space around their homes.

Defensible space is an area around a building where vegetation and other debris are cleared, reduced, or replaced to slow the spread of wildfire towards the building.

We will add a post soon explaining Defensible Space!