Newsom Executive Order pushes up release of LRA Fire Hazard Maps and Zone Zero

In response to the LA wildfires, on Feb-6-2025 Gov. Newsom issued Executive Order N-18-25 to prevent urban conflagration. This order mandates the phased release of the remaining Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, beginning on Feb-10-2025 and proceeding every 2 weeks.

The pending Zone Zero regulation, which has been under development since early-2022, must also be implemented by Dec-31-2025.

The maps listed below are for the LRA (Local Responsibility Area), which means that local municipalities and counties must review the maps and conduct public comment.

• Feb-10-2025 – Northern California
• Feb-24-2025 – Bay Area (includes Portola Valley)
• Mar-10-2025 – Central Valley and Coast
• Mar-24-2025 – Southern California and Eastern Sierras

Back in 2009, the Town Council did not accept the maps and instead adopted the state’s Chapter 7A WUI building code for all new construction in Town. Not accepting the FHSZ maps is no longer an option. WFPD has been expecting the release of the LRA maps and is considering how to conduct outreach. The FHSZ maps are the main way the State informs the public of its wildfire hazard, but insurance companies have many more tools to gauge wildfire risk.

FHSZ maps for the SRA (State Responsibility Area) were released in Dec-2022 and finalized in Feb-2024 after months of public comment.

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