A Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) is an area classified by CAL FIRE based on the potential for wildfires, developed using a science-based and field-tested model. The devastating 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm, also known as the Tunnel Fire, led to the creation of the Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps in California, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies to reduce wildfire risks.
These zones are categorized based on their potential for wildfires and are classified into Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity levels. Many factors are considered such as fire history, predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and existing and potential fuel, such as natural vegetation.
Knowing your zone classification helps you take appropriate actions to mitigate fire hazards around your property. In February 2025, new Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps were released by CAL FIRE, identifying new areas where properties will be required to adhere to more restrictive building standards and defensible space requirements.
You can enter your address here to find your property’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone classification - Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer
Real Estate Inspection (AB-38) and Compliance Reports for Real Estate Transactions in LRA Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ)
Assembly Bill 38 (2019) established that, as of July 1, 2021, California Civil Code Section 1102.19 requires a seller of real property located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) to provide the buyer with documentation the property is in compliance with defensible space requirements.
The law allows, that if documentation demonstrating compliance cannot be obtained by the close of escrow, the seller and buyer can enter into a written agreement showing that the buyer agrees to obtain documentation of compliance within one year of the close of escrow.
To request an inspection within Tulare County LRA High and Very High Hazard Severity zones, shall request through Cal Fire's Real Estate Defensible Space Inspection request portal. Tulare County Fire Department will contact requestor to make an appointment for inspection. Request real estate inspection
Defensible Space Requirements: Gov Code 51182
Property Insurance Q&A - Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara
Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order (N-18-25) to accelerate the adoption of regulations requiring many California homeowners to create a 5-foot “ember-resistant” zone around their homes to mitigate fire risks. The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, will complete the formal rulemaking process by December 31, 2025, for properties in the Highest Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as part of ongoing efforts to adapt to extreme firestorm events and build a more resilient state.
Zone Zero is one of the most effective strategies in wildfire risk reduction in our community, having a dramatic impact on safety. It specifically refers to the area within the first 5 feet from your home. Keeping the area closest to buildings, structures, and decks clear prevents embers from combustible materials, such as vegetation and wooden fences, that can spread fire.
Materials like gravel and cement encourage embers to burn out before they can build enough heat to ignite a home. This is especially critical, as the majority of homes lost to wildfire are ignited by flying embers. Effective Zone Zero and home hardening implementation reduces the chances of home ignition by removing these materials, and therefore, opportunities for embers to build heat near a home.
Zone Zero is the ember-resistant zone that extends from 0 to 5 feet. Zone 1 is the Lean, Clean, and Green Zone that extends from 5 to 30 feet. Zone 2 is the Reduced Fuel Zone that extends from 30 to 100 feet from any structure or attached deck.
The benefits of home hardening extend beyond a single home. Every home with an ember-resistant Zone Zero amplifies the safety of its neighbors. This means that by focusing our efforts on these home hardening strategies, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage to our community as a whole.
To effectively create and maintain a Zone Zero around your home, consider following these recommended steps. These guidelines are subject to change, and until the Board of Forestry releases the official regulations, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District suggests these guidelines based on expert findings, though they are not currently mandatory:
1. Remove all combustible materials within 5 feet of structures and attached decks. This includes dry vegetation, mulch, bark, and wooden fences, in addition to any Monterey Pine or Eucalyptus.
2. Replace combustible landscaping with non-combustible alternatives such as gravel, rock, stone pavers, cement, or well-maintained, low-growing, fire-resistant plants.
3. Regularly clean and maintain gutters, roofs, and decks to prevent the accumulation of leaves, needles, dead vegetation, and other debris.
4. Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet, and all branches that are within 6 vertical feet of the roof.
5. Remove or cut grasses and weeds to a height of less than 3 inches or less.
6. Trim trees to create 6 feet of vertical spacing between branches and the ground.
Safety impacts are profound, so residents are encouraged to create a defensible space and maintain a Zone Zero around their property. While it is anticipated that the regulations would apply to new construction upon taking effect, requirements for existing homes would likely be phased in over three years to allow homeowners to prepare and prioritize mitigations and secure financial assistance.
Learn more about home hardening: