Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Update 2025

This site provides comprehensive information about the rollout of updated fire hazard severity zones within the Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) of the South San Francisco Fire Department. In accordance with Government Code Section 51178.5, The South San Francisco Fire Department is mandated to facilitate public access to the proposed map and host a public comment period.

It is important for the public to understand that these maps are created by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the direction of the State Fire Marshal. Our local fire agency does not control the creation of the map but is required to ensure the community has the opportunity to review and provide feedback.

California Government Code Section 51179(a) mandates that local agencies "shall designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones in [their] jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178.  the South San Francisco Fire Department received these maps on February 24, 2025.

These maps aim to provide valuable information for land use planning, building code enforcement, and wildfire risk mitigation strategies. Public input can help identify concerns, validate data, and improve the understanding of how these zones may impact residents, businesses, and emergency response planning.

We encourage all residents and stakeholders to review the proposed maps, ask questions, and submit their comments. Your participation is a vital part of this state-mandated process and contributes to a safer, more informed community.  To submit a question or comment directed to the Fire Department regarding the Fire Hazard Severity Zone map adoption process, please email the Fire Department at FHSZ.SSF@ssf.net. 

While these maps do not determine insurance rates, catastrophic risk is considered in fire insurance modeling. Additionally, they play a critical role in guiding future safety regulations, building codes, and emergency planning efforts. 

We encourage the community to review these updated maps.

You can enter your address here to find your property’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone classification, or if you would like to access the FHSZ map, click here. 

Additional Resources

Fire Hazard Severity Zone - Frequently Asked Questions - English

Fire Hazard Severity Zone - Frequently Asked Questions - Spanish

Fire Hazard Severity Zone - Cal Fire Informational Video

 

Why is this important? 

These categories identify fire hazards, which in turn dictate specific actions and mitigation measures. These include compliance with California Building Code Chapter 7A, defensible space requirements, and fire-safe regulations, as outlined for each category below. These preventative measures are designed to reduce risk and ensure fire hazards are properly disclosed.