California Government Code Section 51178 requires the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to identify “very high fire hazard severity zones” using consistent statewide criteria. CAL FIRE is also required to periodically review the very high fire hazard severity zone areas and make updated recommendations as needed. Utilizing fire modeling methods which take into consideration scientific aspects of an area, such as climate, topography, geography, and history of fire, CAL FIRE has reevaluated wild-fire hazards and identified very high fire hazard severity zones in the state. 

Buildings constructed in areas identified as very high fire hazard severity zones are required to be built using fire-resistive features, such as those identified in the California Building Code, Chapter 7A.

Within 30 days of receipt, local jurisdictions are required to make this information available for public review.  Click here to view the draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for the City of Lake Forest.

California Government Code Section 51179 requires local jurisdictions are required to adopt the updated Very High Fire Hazard Severity zones within 120 days after receiving recommendations from CAL FIRE.  The City Council adopted the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map on February 7, 2012, viewable here.

For more information, please contact Carrie Tai, AICP, Senior Planner at ctai@lakeforestca.gov or (949) 461-3466.