Fire Severity Zone

On Monday March 24, 2025, Cal Fire released the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Southern California, which classifies areas of Escondido that are most susceptible to wildfire. Areas are categorized as moderate, high and very high wildfire hazard severity zones.  

• Escondido Fire Hazard Severity Map (PDF)

The History of Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies to reduce wildfire risks. Legislative response led to mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRA).

Watch this "What is a Fire Hazard Severity Zone" video on YouTube.

What does this mean for Escondido?

In certain areas, the map will guide city development standards and increase requirements for new buildings to have fire-resistant features as well as defensible space (buffers) between them and the surrounding wildland area.

1. New construction in high and very high zones must adhere to ignition-resistant building standards.
2. Property sellers in the high, in addition to the very high hazard severity zone, must disclose the designation in real estate transactions and an inspection is required by the fire department.
3. The map is not expected to impact insurance coverage, as insurance companies have their own model that takes risk and other factors into account, according to Cal Fire.

Next Steps:

1. Per state law, the City Council will be required to adopt the new maps through an ordinance within 120 days.
2. The city will then apply the ignition-resistant building standards in areas required by the maps no sooner than 30 days after they are adopted.