Fire Hazard Severity Zones & Local Responsibility Areas Updates

The recent updates to Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in California provide a more precise assessment of wildfire risks using modern climate data and advanced fire modeling. These updates impact Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), influencing fire prevention measures, including defensible space, building codes, and real estate disclosure requirements.

Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) – 2025 FHSZ Updates

On March 24, 2025, OSFM issued the 2025 Recommended Local Responsibility Area (LRA) FHSZ maps for City of Beaumont.

📍 -https://rvcfire.org/our-departments/fire-marshal/FHSZ-map

LRA 2025 FHSZ Map Changes

According to Government Code Section 51179 (b)(3):

Local agencies shall not decrease the FHSZ level recommended by OSFM.
Local agencies may add to or increase the recommended FHSZ level, but the City of Beaumont Office of the Fire Marshal is not proposing any additions or increases during this adoption process.

2025 LRA FHSZ Adoption

Per state law, the Beaumont Office of the Fire Marshal must adopt the OSFM-recommended LRA FHSZ maps by ordinance within 120 days of their release.

Key Takeaways

FHSZ Classification

Properties are designated as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on:

Terrain and topography
Vegetation and fuel conditions
Fire history and frequency
Climate and weather patterns

Fire Hazard vs. Fire Risk

FHSZ maps identify the hazard potential, not the immediate risk. They do not factor in mitigation efforts such as defensible space, fire-resistant construction, or local firefighting capabilities.

Impact on Property Owners

Homeowners in Very High FHSZ must:

Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures.
Comply with home hardening requirements to reduce ignition risks.
Ensure new construction and renovations adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes.
Disclose FHSZ designation when selling property.

Homeowners in High FHSZ must:

Comply with home hardening requirements to reduce ignition risks.
Ensure new construction and renovations adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes.
Disclose FHSZ designation when selling property.

Legislative Updates

Senate Bill 63 (2021) – Expanded fire hazard oversight to include Moderate and High zones in addition to Very High FHSZ classifications.

Assembly Bill 337 (1992) – Originally mandated the identification of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones following destructive wildfires.

Assembly Bill 211 (2022) – Requires local agencies to adopt Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZ designations within 120 days of OSFM recommendations. Local governments cannot downgrade state-designated hazard levels but may increase them if justified.

Mapping & Compliance

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) updates FHSZ maps, which are used to enforce fire safety regulations statewide.
Residents can check their property's FHSZ status online: -https://rvcfire.org/our-departments/fire-marshal/FHSZ-map
Local jurisdictions must review and adopt the updated maps to enhance community wildfire preparedness.

2025 LRA FHSZ Maps Viewing

The OSFM 2025 Recommended LRA FHSZ Maps can be viewed here -https://rvcfire.org/our-departments/fire-marshal/FHSZ-map

Public Comment

Public comments or questions may be submitted via this online form or mailed to the designated address. CAL FIRE will consider all submitted comments for future map development.

Beaumont Office of the Fire Marshal

Attn: FHSZ Comment Period

550 E. 6^th St.

Beaumont, CA 92223