On Tuesday June 10th, the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District Board of Directors, adopted Ordinance 2025-127.1 which designated fire hazard severity zones and adopted the State of California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map pursuant to government code 51179, which classifies areas of Escondido that are most susceptible to wildfire.
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 Rincon del Diablo Fire Protection District Residents?
In certain areas, the map will guide 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.
- New construction in high and very high zones must adhere to ignition-resistant building standards.
- 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.
- 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.
For more information please visit:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones