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Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Per Government Code 51178 The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state 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. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.
As part of this requirement, CAL FIRE has made recommendations for Local Responsibility Areas (“LRA”), which include incorporated cities, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection.
Adoption of the LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Government Code Sec. 51179 requires the State Fire Marshal to make recommendations of fire hazard severity zones to local agencies (Sec. 51177(e)), for city and county designation and adoption by ordinance.
LRA areas in Nevada County are those where the “local government” is responsible for wildfire protection, which in the case of Nevada County, is the responsibility of the local fire protection special districts.
Specifically, the areas of LRA in unincorporated Nevada County are within the unincorporated Nevada County, City of Grass Valley, City of Nevada City, and the Town of Truckee.
Adoption Process
- Pursuant to Government Code Sec. 51178.5 within 30 days after receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal that identifies fire hazard severity zones pursuant to Government Code Sec. 51178, Nevada County must make the information available for public review and comment.
- Nevada County must also post a notice (Government Code Sec. 51179(g)) at the office of the County Clerk/Recorder, County Assessor, and County Planning Department identifying the location of the map provided by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code Sec. 51178.
- Pursuant to Government Code Sec. 51179(a), Nevada County must adopt the 2025 LRA Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZs in the unincorporated area of the County by ordinance, with an associated map, within 120 days of receiving the maps on February 10, 2025, or no later than June 10, 2025.
- Then, Nevada County must transmit a copy of the ordinance/map adopted by the Board of Supervisors to the State Fire Marshall within 30 days of adoption, or no later than July 10, 2025.
This website has been established, making the information available for public review and comment.
LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone WebApp Viewer
Review and Provide Comment
To review and provide comments please use the form below:
To provide comments on the FHSZ for the Cities and Town please use the links below:
Fire Hazard Severity Zones - 2025 - City of Grass Valley
Fire Hazard Severity Zones - 2025 | Nevada City, CA
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Update | Truckee, CA
What options does Nevada County have with changing the LRA zone recommendations made by CAL FIRE?
Nevada County, MAY at its discretion, include areas not identified as Very High FHSZs, as Very High following a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that the requirements of Government Code Sec. 51182 (i.e., defensible space) are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.
Nevada County, MAY at its discretion, include areas not identified as Moderate and High FHSZs, as Moderate and High.
Nevada County CANNOT decrease the level of fire hazard severity zones for any area and may only increase the level.
Any changes made by Nevada County to the 2025 LRA FHZS maps provided by the State Fire Marshall are final and are not rebuttable by the State.
Additional Resources
How will the updated CAL FIRE maps affect insurance availability and affordability?
Fire Hazard Severity Zones | OSFM
Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Local Responsibility Area FAQ
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Rollout