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Cal Fire Hazard Severity Zone Update


How is fire hazard severity determined?

The Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps are developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior. Many factors are considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel (natural vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for the area. There are three levels of hazard in the State Responsibility Areas: moderate, high, and very high. 

Hazard vs. Risk

Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps evaluate “hazard,” not “risk”. They are like flood zone maps, where lands are described in terms of the probability level of a particular area being inundated by floodwaters, and not specifically prescriptive of impacts. “Hazard” is based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period without considering mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfire, or fuel reduction efforts. “Risk” is the potential damage a fire can do to the area under existing conditions, accounting for any modifications such as fuel reduction projects, defensible space, and ignition resistant building construction. 

CAL FIRE Hazard Severity Zone Update

In Spring 2025, CAL FIRE released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps with areas in the state identified 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. As part of this requirement, CAL FIRE has made recommendations for Local Responsibility Areas (“LRA”), which include incorporated cities such as Benicia, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection. 

What does the City of Benicia have to do?

  • Per California Government Code 51179, the Town must designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones within 120 days. While there is some flexibility to increase hazard severity zones, they are largely based on the recommendations made by CAL FIRE.
  • Per California Government Code 51178.5, the Town must make the updated information available for public review and comment within 30 days. 

Can the zones be changed?

  • The City of Benicia may, at its discretion, include areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency, not identified as very high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal, as very high fire hazard severity zones following a finding supported by substantial evidence.
  • The City of Benicia may, at its discretion, include areas within its jurisdiction, not identified as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal, as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively. 
  • The City of Benicia may not decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the town.  

What can I do?

To submit public comment related to the adoption of fire hazard severity zones in Benicia, click on the "Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map" tile and click the blue "Submit Comment" button. Alternatively, you can also email your comments to Division Chief Carl Littorno at CLittorno@ci.benicia.ca.us.

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