Los Angeles County, CA – Beginning in February 2025, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), initiated the roll out of its 2025 Recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) throughout the State of California. Typically updated every ten years, the 2025 LRA FHSZ maps classify lands within local jurisdictions as moderate, high, or very high fire hazard severity zones using the latest data on fuels, fire history, weather, terrain, and other relevant factors.
Los Angeles County LRA 2025 FHSZ map updates and local adoption process:
Today, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (PT), the OSFM issued the 2025 Recommended LRA FHSZ maps for Los Angeles County. Under Government Code Section 51179(b)(3), a local agency shall not decrease the level of the LRA FHSZ recommended by the OSFM. However, a local agency may increase the hazard level or make additions beyond what the State has recommended.
At this time, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) is not proposing any additions or increases to the OSFM recommended LRA FHSZ boundaries during this adoption cycle. However, the LACoFD estimates an increase in the number of parcels that will be affected by the newly issued LRA FHSZ map updates. These changes may influence building and vegetation management requirements for properties located within newly classified fire hazard zones.
State law requires Los Angeles County to adopt the recommended maps by ordinance within 120 days of their issuance. Public hearings for the adoption ordinance will be held in compliance with this mandate. Meeting details, including location and schedule, will be announced in advance and will comply with all applicable public noticing requirements.
Public comment period and how to participate:
CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and LACoFD encourage residents to review and comment on the proposed LRA FHSZ maps.
To access the maps, submit public comment, and attend public hearings, please see below:
- Visit the CAL FIRE website to review the 2025 LRA FHSZ maps.
- Monitor the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors website and LACoFD website for instructions on how to provide public comment.
- Public hearings will be scheduled in Los Angeles County to allow for in-person and virtual feedback. Dates, times, and locations will be posted online and in compliance with Los Angeles County notification requirements. Click here to subscribe to email notifications.
Why the LRA FHSZ maps matter:
The LRA FHSZ maps are used to inform land-use decisions, building standards, and wildfire mitigation practices. Properties identified within high or very high zones may be subject to California Building Code Chapter 7A and defensible space requirements pursuant to Public Resources Code 4291.
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