Description: Government Code 51178; The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors, including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.The City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department re-designated areas mapped as Moderate and High FHSZ to Very High FHSZ. The City has also identified additional Wildland Fire Areas determined to be at significant risk from wildfire that will be included as a VHFHSZ. San Diego conducted a fire risk assessment utilizing spatial analysis tools and the City’s Geographical Information System (GIS) and developed a Fire Severity Map for the City. The factors considered in the analysis included type and density of vegetation; slope severity; fire department access and fire history in the area. These areas are primarily located in and around canyons and designated open space or other areas primarily covered in native or naturalized vegetation. A 500-foot buffer was included around these areas for ember cast.The zones are used for several purposes, including to designate areas where California’s defensible space standards and wildland urban interface building codes are required. They can be a factor in real estate disclosure requirements, and local governments may consider them in their general plan or other Land Use planning considerations.
Service Item Id: cd32252dfe254413903602df26e8fcf8
Copyright Text: City of San Diego Fire-Rescue, CalFire