CAL FIRE has provided the following resources showing present and future Fire Hazard Severity Zones:

• CAL FIRE’s 2025 Fire Severity Zone Map
• CALFIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer

To access the recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area via Monterey County’s WebGIS Portal, turn on the “FHSZ in LRA – Recommended 2025" layers listed under the “Layers List“.

• March 10, 2025 – County Received 2025 FHSZ Map Updates
• July 11 – August 4, 2025 - Receive public comments via email.
• August 5, 2025 - Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting.
• August 19, 2025 - Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting.
• August 20, 2025 - After Adoption of Ordinance, submit Ordinance to Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. 

What is the process for developing Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area? CAL FIRE uses the same modeling data that is used to map the State Responsibility Area. The map, along with a model ordinance, are then sent to the governing body for adoption.

How are the new Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas impacting development? Many of the changes expanding Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas have been supported by the building industry. CAL FIRE works closely with the building industry when setting various building codes and defensible space requirements, so we are working together to not affect development itself but make sure development matches the hazards of that area.

Why haven't Moderate and High Fire Hazard Severity Zone classes been classified before in the Local Responsibility Area? New legislation, Senate Bill 63 (Stern, 2021), now requires the adoption of all three Fire Hazard Severity Zone classes in the Local Responsibility Area. Previously only Very High Fire Severity Zones were required for adoption in the Local Responsibility Areas.

How do I provide Public Comment? If you would like to comment on the 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone mapping, please send an email to SanchezE8@CountyofMonterey.gov and include “2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Mapping” in the subject line.

CAL FIRE provided a fact sheet and answers to frequently asked questions, which you can see at:

Local Responsibility Area Legislation Factsheet, English

For More information regarding Fire Hazard Severity Zones, Visit the Cal Fire’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone Website.