LRA Legislation Factsheet - Flipbook combined - Flipbook - Page 7
FHSZ Frequently Asked Questions
General
Why does the model place an emphasis on the spread of embers?
Embers spread wildfire because they can travel long distances in the wind and ignite vegeta琀椀on,
roofs, a琀�cs (by ge琀�ng into vents), and decks.
Why do waterbodies have a Fire Hazard Severity Zone Classifica琀椀on?
All areas in State Responsibility Area, including water bodies, require a Fire Hazard Severity Zone
designa琀椀on. The 2007 FHSZ maps zoned all water as Moderate by default. In the 2023 FHSZ model
we added a buffer of FHSZ from the surrounding wildland into water bodies to account for
poten琀椀al threat of embers to buildings on docks and house boats, as well as varia琀椀on in reservoir
height that occurs with drought.
How does CAL FIRE assist Local Governments in Fire Hazard Severity Zones?
CAL FIRE’s Land Use Planning Program is a specialized unit that provides support to local
governments by providing fire safety exper琀椀se on the State’s wildland urban interface building
codes, wildfire safety codes, as well as helping in the development of the safety elements in
general plans. Currently there are 189 ci琀椀es and 56 coun琀椀es with FHSZ.
How can I search the Fire Hazard Severity Zone of a property?
You can search by address to find your current designa琀椀on on the web at:
h琀琀ps://egis.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ/ osfm.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ
