Cal Fire Expands Southern California Fire Hazard Zones Over 3.5 Million Acres

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has released updated fire hazard severity zone maps for Southern California, marking a significant increase in designated high-risk areas. Over 3.5 million additional acres, including more than 440,000 acres in Los Angeles County alone, have been classified under 'very high' fire hazard zones, which now encompass nearly 1.2 million acres statewide. This expansion is attributed to a 30% rise in the highest severity categories since the last update a decade ago, reflecting the growing wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change. Approximately 5.1 million people now live in areas considered to be at high risk for wildfires, with stricter building codes and safety regulations enforced in these zones. The updated maps aim to guide fire mitigation strategies and raise awareness among residents about the risks. Local jurisdictions will have five months to adapt their regulations based on these new designations, which could impact property values and insurance availability.