2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ)

Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) & Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) Updates

April 7, 2025

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, Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) issued the 2025 Recommended Local Responsibility Area (LRA) FHSZ maps for Riverside County.  

📍 LINK TO RVC FHSZ MAP HERE

 

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 Riverside County Fire Department is not proposing any additions or increases during this adoption process.  

2025 LRA FHSZ Adoption

Per state law, Riverside County Fire Department must adopt the OSFM-recommended LRA FHSZ maps by ordinance within 120 days of their release.

  • The ordinance designating the fire zones will be introduced at the Jurupa Valley City Council Meeting on May 15, 2025.

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.  

Enhance Your Property's Fire Safety

It is your responsibility to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for when wildfire strikes. Creating and maintaining defensible space and hardening your home (External Link) by retrofitting it with ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials to protect against the threat of flying embers, direct flame contact, and radiant heat exposure will dramatically increase your safety and the survivability of your home.

 

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: LINK TO RVC FHSZ MAP HERE
  • 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 LINK TO RVC FHSZ MAP HERE

 

Contact


Public comments or questions may be submitted via the ONLINE FORM HERE, or mailed to:
Riverside County Fire Department – Office of the Fire Marshal
Attn: FHSZ Comment Period
4080 Lemon Street, 10th Floor
Riverside, CA 92501

 

Additional Resources