The Calif. Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection has released new fire hazard severity zone (FHSZ) maps throughout California.

The FHSZ maps are developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior. Many factors are considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel (natural vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for the area.

The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). The three levels of hazard in the State Responsibility Areas are: moderate, high, and very high. 

Insurance companies typically use their own risk assessment data rather than these maps, so the new designations are unlikely to directly affect insurance rates, according to Cal Fire. However, they will impact real estate transactions, as sellers must disclose to buyers when properties are located in high and very high fire zones. They also must present documentation showing that an inspection was done within six months and that the property complies with defensible space requirements.

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