California Releases New Draft Fire Risk Maps Highlighting Expanded High-Risk Zones

The updated maps add over 1.4 million acres to fire hazard zones, guiding stricter building codes and fire safety measures.

Cal Fire's new draft maps identify areas at 'moderate,' 'high,' and 'very high' fire risk across Northern California, with Southern California maps to follow on March 24.
The maps expand fire hazard zones by 1.4 million acres statewide, including 360,000 acres in Northern California, impacting building and landscaping regulations.
Stricter fire safety codes, such as bans on flammable materials within five feet of homes, will apply to new and existing properties in the highest-risk zones over time.
Some areas, like San Jose and Sonoma County, saw significant increases in high-risk zones, while others, like Oakland and Berkeley, experienced reductions in designated risk areas.
The maps aim to guide local governments and residents in fire mitigation efforts but do not account for urban fire spread or existing fire-resistant measures.