Fire Hazard Severity Zone-Calfire

Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) are designated areas identified based on wildfire risk and are required under California Government Code Section 51179. This classification, implemented by CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal, helps communities prepare for and mitigate wildfire hazards. Understanding these zones is essential for safety, planning, and compliance with state regulations.

The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) per California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89. FHSZs fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate, High, and Very High; however, there are no Very High FHSZs in Loomis. There are areas of Moderate and High Fire FHSZs in Loomis. In these areas properties identified as being in a High FHSZ are required to prep their property with defensible space and are required to complete a Hazard Inspection & Disclosure that must be disclosed when transferring the property.

California’s WUl building codes (CBC Chapter 7A) apply to the design and construction of new buildings located in High FHSZs and require ignition resistant construction for remodel projects. Check with the building department to determine which ignition resistant building codes apply to your project. Government Code Section 51182 calls for defensible space clearance and other wildland fire safety practices for buildings; therefore, owners are also required to make a natural hazard disclosure as part of a real estate transfer. Please visit www.readyforwildfire.org for more information regarding home hardening and defensible space clearance.

FHSZs for the Town of Loomis are anticipated to go into effect July 2025.

In accordance with California Government Code § 51178.5, public comments regarding the proposed Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) developed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal may be submitted to the Town Clerk prior to the July 8 Town Council meeting. Please note that, under California Government Code § 51179, the Town of Loomis is prohibited from reducing the fire hazard severity zone classification designated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Comments will be accepted until June 10, 2025 at 5 p.m.