Chino Valley Fire District reveals updated fire hazard severity zones for community review

Under the bright lights of Chino City Hall, a significant discussion unfolded as Fire Marshal Danielle O'Toole presented the newly released fire hazard severity zones to the City Council and community members. This presentation, part of an ongoing effort to enhance public safety, highlighted the critical need for awareness regarding fire risks in the area.

O'Toole explained that fire hazard severity zones have been identified statewide, a response to the devastating wildfires that have plagued California since the early 1980s. The state is divided into three types of areas: federal, state, and local. The first local responsibility area (LRA) map was released in 1992, focusing initially on very high fire hazard zones. However, a recent Senate bill passed in February 2021 expanded the mapping requirements to include high and moderate zones as well.

The updated maps, which were released in phases beginning in February 2024, utilized advanced scientific models to assess fire risks based on various factors, including fire history, vegetation, and weather conditions. O'Toole noted that the latest data identified over a thousand acres in Chino as very high risk, with additional areas classified as high and moderate.

The presentation included a detailed map illustrating the designated zones within Chino, with areas marked in red, orange, and yellow indicating varying levels of fire hazard. Notably, the government code stipulates that while local agencies cannot reduce the size of identified hazard areas, they may expand them with substantial justification. Currently, the fire district has no plans to alter the mapped zones.

As part of the public engagement process, the city has made the interactive maps available online for community review and comment, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and involvement in fire safety measures. This initiative marks a proactive step in safeguarding the community against potential fire threats, ensuring that residents are informed and prepared.