What's Happening?
Cal Fire has released new Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps that help communities understand wildfire risks. The maps were updated for the first time since 2007 to ensure that codes, regulations, and laws apply to the appropriate areas. The hazard mapping process now incorporates new science in local climate data and improved fire assessment modeling in determining the hazard ratings.
Cal Fire’s map zones represent the fire hazard levels of an area based on the likelihood of a fire reaching it and its potential intensity. They do not indicate the risk of individual properties being damaged in a wildfire. These maps divide areas into three risk levels most susceptible to wildfire:
• Moderate Fire Hazard
• High Fire Hazard
• Very High Fire Hazard
Why Are These Maps Important?
The updated fire zone maps are essential for:
• Identifying fire safety risks in our community
• Determining building and safety requirements for new and existing homes
• Guiding local construction and property maintenance / defensible standards
Public Comment Period Closed April 25, 2025
Next Steps
After the 30-day public comment period, Oceanside authorities will:
• Submit all public comments to Cal Fire
• Officially adopt the maps into local ordinance regulations
• Enforce updated construction and defensible space standards
Frequently asked questions
Create a Wildfire Safety Buffer
Create defensible space around your home
Harden your home
Fire-smart landscaping
