Martinez, CA
Home MenuHigh Fire Hazard Severity Zone FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map?
California law requires local jurisdictions to identify areas with a very high fire hazard potential. Modeling is utilized to help assess the likelihood of a fire occurring in an area due to local conditions, such as fuel (material that can burn), and some areas are then designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone on the Cal Fire maps.
Why does the City need to adopt a map identifying areas of Martinez with Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones?
As a requirement of State law, the State Fire Marshal requires that each local jurisdiction which has areas identified as being within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (like Martinez) adopt an ordinance designating these areas in order to more accurately reflect the zones in Martinez that are susceptible to wildfire. These maps help to improve building code standards and defensible space programs that are designed to minimize the loss of life, resources and property.
What does Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones measure?
Fire “hazard” is a measure of how a fire will behave, based on the physical conditions of an area that create a likelihood an area may burn due to a wildfire. The best available science and data is used to evaluate these zones based on factors that include fire history, vegetation, flame length, blowing embers, terrain, weather and the likelihood of buildings igniting.
If the current map was established in 2009, are there new assumptions that could have factored in based on modern science and data?
Cal Fire has advised an updated version of this map is anticipated to be provided later this year, and the map will be updated approximately every five years thereafter. The hazard maps are being updated to more accurately reflect the zones in California that are susceptible to wildfire. The hazard mapping process will incorporate new science in local climate data and improved fire assessment modeling in determining hazard ratings.
How does this impact me as a homeowner if my house is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
Contra Costa Fire Prevention District will be going out over the next two years to conduct defensible space inspections and will levy fines of up to $500 on residents who do not make improvements towards defensible space. They will be taking an education-first approach to garnering community compliance before the enforcement of fines. For those selling a home in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, during the sale of a property, a hazard declaration would be required, and documentation of a compliant Defensible Space Inspection conducted by Contra Costa Fire Protection.
Are there any grants or resources that can be provided to help homeowners create more defensible space?
Through adoption of the Very High Fire Severity Zone map, the City may qualify for grant funds to assist the community in building defensible space and mitigating fire hazards on their property. Residents are encouraged to go to Readyforwildfire.org to find resources and information on how to ensure you are building a defensible space around their homes.
Have insurance companies had access to these maps before the City began considering them?
Yes, these maps have been publicly available for many years (the Martinez Fire Hazard Severity Zone map was created in January 2009) and insurance companies are aware of the Cal Fire designations.
Will the City be required to abate city-owned areas to prevent fire danger?
Yes, the City is responsible for mitigating fire risk on city-owned property and is working with Contra Costa Fire Prevention District and an arborist to carry out tree and brush abatement in high risk areas.
Have other cities had to adopt very high fire zone maps?
Within the Contra Costa Fire Protection District territory, Martinez and Lafayette have areas designed as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones on the Cal Fire maps. Cal Fire has identified several additional cities within Contra Costa County, but outside of the Contra Costa Fire Protection District territory, with Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including Danville, El Cerrito, Orinda, Pinole, and Richmond.