Check Fire Hazard Zones in California by Address: How It Affects Real Estate
California’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) classify land into three levels of wildfire hazard: Moderate, High, or Very High. These zones are determined by the Office of the State Fire Marshal using scientific modeling and long-term hazard projections. They are based on:
Terrain and slope.
Vegetation and fuel load.
Wind patterns and ember behavior.
Local climate conditions.
Fire history in the area.
FHSZ maps do not account for current mitigation measures like defensible space, fire-resistant materials, or home hardening.
FHSZ Zone Descriptions
Moderate: Lowest hazard, typically in flatter areas with sparse vegetation.
High: Elevated hazard, often near wildlands or moderate vegetation.
Very High: Highest hazard, areas most prone to wildfire spread, long flame lengths, and embers.
These maps are different from fire insurance risk maps. FHSZ maps show potential hazard over time, not a home’s current level of fire protection.
How to Check Your Address
You can find your home’s zone using the official CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer:
Visit the CAL FIRE map at osfm.fire.ca.gov
(Click the link and scroll to the middle of the page and you will see a search bar to add and search for address.)Enter your full property address
View your classification: Moderate, High, or Very High
Many cities and counties, such as Laguna Hills, Irvine, Anaheim, and Riverside, also link to the map and provide local resources or contact info for questions or public comment.
Recent Updates to FHSZ Maps
State Responsibility Area (SRA) maps were updated in 2023 and took effect in 2024.
Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps are being released in four phases in 2025.
Cities and counties are required to adopt the new maps within 120 days of receiving them.
Local governments may not reduce hazard levels, but they may expand zones based on local conditions.
Public hearings are often held prior to map adoption.
Why This Matters
Your property’s zone can affect multiple areas of homeownership:
Building permits and codes
Homes in High or Very High zones may be subject to stricter construction standards for roofing, siding, windows, and materials.Defensible space requirements
Properties must meet vegetation clearance requirements around structures.Insurance and disclosures
While insurance companies use their own models, FHSZ zones may influence availability and cost.
Sellers are required to disclose zone status when transferring property.
An estimated 12.5 percent of Californians, around 5 million people, now live in High or Very High hazard zones, including many neighborhoods in Los Angeles and coastal regions.
What To Do If Your Home Is in a High or Very High Zone
Use the CAL FIRE map to confirm your zone.
Review city or county requirements for landscaping, building, or remodeling.
Implement defensible space and fire-resistant materials.
Stay informed about public hearings or local adoption updates.
Talk to your insurance provider about how your zone may affect your policy.
Stay Informed and Prepared
FHSZ maps are tools to help homeowners and communities understand wildfire hazard over time. Whether you are buying, selling, building, or maintaining a property, knowing your zone can help you make informed decisions.
Contact me HERE or give me a call at (424)212-3859.
Best regards,
Lindsay Woolf | CA DRE #02236711
DOMO Real Estate | CA DRE #01290500
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Real estate transactions can be complex and subject to local regulations.
