Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map (FHSZ) Update
The State Fire Marshal is responsible for identifying moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. As part of this requirement, CAL FIRE has made recommendations for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). All State Responsibility Areas were addressed in 2024.
Notice is hereby given that the FHSZ LRA map is available for public review and comment beginning on April 1, 2025, in accordance with California Government Code Section 51178.5. You can view the map via the link below or at our Civic Center, located at 25541 Barton Rd. Loma Linda during the posted business hours. Please note that state law prohibits the City from assigning a fire hazard severity zone that is less restrictive
If you would like to submit public comment related to the adoption of the fire hazard severity zones in the jurisdiction of Loma Linda, you can e-mail [email protected].
What must the City do after receiving the maps?
Per California Government Code, the City must make the information available for public review and comment within 30 days of receiving the map and within 120 days, the City must designate, by Ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones.
What is the City's anticipated timeline for Ordinance adoption?
• April 1 – May 13, 2025 – Receive public comment.
• May 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. – Hold Public Hearing related to Ordinance at the Loma Linda City Council Regular Meeting. *Date subject to change to June 10, 2025.
• June 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. – Hold Second Reading of Ordinance and Adoption of said Ordinance. *Date subject to change to July 8, 2025.
• After Adoption of Ordinance, submit Ordinance to Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
What options does the City have with changing the zone recommendations made by CAL FIRE?
• It may, at its discretion, include areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency, not identified as very high fire hazard severity zones by the Sate Fire Marshal, as very fire hazard severity zones following a finding supported by substantial evidence.
• It may, at its discretion, include areas within its jurisdiction, not identified as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones by the State Fire Marshal, as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.
• It may not decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal for any area within the Fire District’s boundaries.
Additional Information:
Office of State Fire Marshal CAL FIRE:
The following website from CAL FIRE has additional information related to the following:
• History of Fire Hazard Severity Zones
• What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones
• Methods for creating fire hazard severity zones
• Frequently Asked Questions