The state fire marshal's Fire Hazard Severity Zone model evaluates wildland areas based on burn probability and fire behavior. Photo courtesy of Placer County

 

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - The Placer County Board of Supervisors introduced an ordinance designating moderate, high and very-high fire hazard severity zones in unincorporated areas of the county on May 28.

The updated designations align with revised maps from the California State Fire Marshal, part of a statewide effort to enhance wildfire preparedness under Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order accelerating wildfire resilience measures.  

The proposed maps reflect advanced wildfire hazard modeling and climate data to identify areas most susceptible to wildfire. 

These zones, located within local responsibility areas protected by local fire departments, guide targeted safety regulations while emphasizing long-term hazard potential rather than immediate risk.  

According to a presentation given to the Board by Placer County Office of Emergency Services Assistant Director Dave Atkinson, while the updated maps apply to local responsibility areas protected by local fire agencies, Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for state responsibility areas—covering much of the unincorporated, heavily vegetated regions of the county—have already been in place since 2024.

"Protecting our communities from wildfire requires proactive planning and collaboration," said Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. "These updated hazard zones empower residents and builders with the knowledge to adopt proven safeguards. By integrating science-based mapping, we're prioritizing safety while ensuring transparency for homeowners and developers."  

Key impacts of the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone designations include:  

Homeowners in very high Fire Hazard Severity Zone must meet stringent defensible space and home hardening standards.

Property sellers are required to disclose Fire Hazard Severity Zone designations during real estate transactions.

New construction and renovations in designated zones must comply with wildland-urban interface building codes.  

The state fire marshal's Fire Hazard Severity Zone model evaluates wildland areas based on burn probability and fire behavior under extreme conditions, incorporating fire history, terrain, weather and fuel load projections over 50 years. 

In non-wildland zones, factors like urban vegetation, ember exposure, proximity to wildlands and local fire history inform hazard ratings.

Notably, Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps do not account for individual mitigation efforts such as fire-resistant roofing and are not a predictor of structure loss. 

A second reading of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for the Board of Supervisors' next meeting June 10.

Residents can view the updated maps and review requirements at the Placer County Fire Hazard Severity Zone portal here.