Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area

1. Government Code 51178 requires the State to identify moderate and high severity zones in addition to very high.

2. Previous Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps only contained very high.

3. The new maps may include new areas that were not previously identified by the State Fire Marshal.

1. The City of Richmond has 30 days from the release date to share the draft map for public review and comment per Government Code 51178.5.

2. The City of Richmond has 120 days to designate by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard zones of receiving recommendations form the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code 51179

3. The City of Richmond has 30 days to submit the ordinance to State Fire Marshal after adoption.

1. Government Code 51179 does not allow local agencies to decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone or to remove areas from the recommended map.

2. Government Code 51179 does allow local agencies to include additional areas not identified by the State Fire Marshal following a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that the changes are necessary for effective fire protection.

3. Comments submitted during the public comment period cannot be used to decrease or remove area from the recommended map.

1. What is the purpose of the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps?

The maps assess wildfire hazard levels based on physical conditions that contribute to fire spread, helping to guide building codes, emergency planning, and fire safety regulations.

2. How are hazard levels categorized?

Areas are classified into three hazard levels: moderate, high, and very high based on factors like fuel availability, topography, and historical fire weather patterns.

3. Can the City of Richmond decrease the severity levels identified on the State Fire Marshal's Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps?

No, the City of Richmond cannot decrease the level of fire hazard severity zones as identified on the State Fire Marshal maps pursuant to Government Code 51179.

4. Do these maps impact my insurance rate?

No, while these maps do not determine insurance rates, catastrophic risk data, which includes wildfire hazard information, is often considered in fire insurance modeling. See the available FAQ from Insurance Commissioner Lara's Office here: Insurance Commissioner Q&A.

5. Who do I contact for more information?

Email fireprevention@ci.richmond.ca.us for questions, and a representative will get back to you. 

1. City of Richmond Ordinance Adoption:

FIRST READING: MAY 27, 2025

SECOND READING: JUNE 3, 2025

2. CAL FIRE Documents:

LRA FHSZ Roll Out Plan

LRA CAL FIRE OSFM Transmittal Letter Dated Feb. 24, 2025 

LRA Legislation Fact Sheets