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<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV><P><SPAN>The State Fire Marshal released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, designating areas within both the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas as Moderate, High, or Very High hazard severity zones. These updates are based on consistent, statewide criteria that assess the expected severity of fire hazards.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>The SRA includes regions where the state is responsible for wildland fire protection and prevention, while the LRA covers incorporated cities, urban areas, agricultural lands, and parts of the desert managed by local governments. The maps evaluate fire hazard, not risk, by analyzing physical conditions such as fire history, vegetation, proximity to wildlands, terrain, and weather, which influence fire behavior over a 30- to 50-year period.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Per Government Code 51179, local agencies in California have 120 days to adopt ordinances designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones after receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal. Local agencies cannot downgrade the fire hazard severity level for any area within its jurisdiction but may choose to upgrade the hazard level if necessary. </SPAN></P><P><SPAN>This data was released by Cal Fire on February 24, 2025, published for public review by the City of San Jose on March 27, 2025, and adopted by City of San Jose on June 17, 2025 (Ord 31213).</SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV> |