CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal Has Released 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has released updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Area’s (LRA) across the state. These map updates are intended to enhance California’s approach to wildfire preparedness. 

The revised maps incorporate 1.4 million additional acres into high and very high fire hazard severity zones statewide, updating planning and building requirements for communities most at risk. This update aligns with the City of Calistoga’s ongoing commitment to public safety, wildfire mitigation, and resilient development. 

What This Means for Calistoga

Under Title 14 of the Natural Resources Code, OSFM is required to periodically update fire hazard severity zone maps. Local governments, including The City of Calistoga, must adopt and enforce these updates when changes affect areas designated as LRA fire hazard severity zones. 

The Calistoga City Council will adopt these new maps within 120 days to meet OSFM guidelines. The updated regulations will apply to the areas within Calistoga city limits.

Below is a breakdown of what each zone means for developers and/or residents:

Moderate FHSZ

• Disclosure of the FHSZ classification required at time of sale

High FHSZ

• New construction will be required to adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Chapter 7-A standards of the California Building Code (effective January 1, 2026)
• Disclosure of the FHSZ classification required at time of sale

Very High FHSZ

• Increased CEQA review requirements for projects
• New subdivisions to be designed with multiple evacuation routes to ensure safe egress during a wildfire
• Subdivisions in very high FHSZ may need to include built-in fuel breaks to slow the spread of a wildfire. 
• Subdivisions in very high FHSZ must include provisions for defensible space, requiring vegetation clearance within a specific distance of structures. 
• New construction and renovations in designated zones must adhere to WUI Chapter 7-A standards of the California Building Code. 
• Homeowners in very high FHSZ must maintain defensible space around their homes, requiring clearing/maintaining of vegetation within a 100-foot radius (or to the property line). 
• Disclosure of the FHSZ classification required at time of sale

More Information

• Proposed FHSZ Ordinance:
  • DRAFT Ordinance Updating and Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones
• NEW City of Calistoga FHSZ Map:
  • https://www.ci.calistoga.ca.us/home/showdocument?id=41269
• OLD City of Calistoga FHSZ Map:
  • 2008 FHSZ Map

• FAQ's - Factsheet:
  • Fire Hazard Zones Local Responsibility Area

After review, feedback may be provided by email at publiccomment@calistogaca.gov

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