Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

CAL FIRE has drafted a new Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, which could have an unfair and drastically negative affect on BHA homeowner insurance policies. The draft is open to public comment through April 4th.

In the proposed map, Buckingham Park has been recategorized from “moderate” to “very high” based on physical conditions including vegetation, topography, and climate data. In evaluating only fire “hazard” (probability of occurrence), and not “risk” (impact/damage), the map is likely to be misunderstood and misused by insurance companies. The current hazard map has been in place since 2007, so revisions may have long-term effects.

At the public hearing for Lake County on January 24th, BHA President Bill Groody proposed that local home hardening and abatement efforts be represented in the map, suggesting that risk be overlaid if it needs to be distinct from hazard. This call is shared by Cal Cities, who note: "Based on the available data, it appears that there may be some discrepancies around local fire mitigation efforts, such as brush clearance, in the draft maps. Ignoring decades of meaningful data could result in costly inaccuracies and discourage collaboration between local governments and Cal FIRE on this critical resource."

***We urge you to add your voice in support of incorporating mitigation data into the map by APRIL 4TH.***

Written comments can be emailed to fhszcomments@fire.ca.gov or submitted by U.S. mail to:

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Office of the State Fire Marshal
C/O: FHSZ Comments
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460