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CAL FIRE map update shifts Sierra Madre hazard designations; council briefed on next steps
Summary
The city received CAL FIRE's 2025 recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas; the fire chief explained the mapping changes, insurance and building‑code implications, and the schedule for local ordinance adoption.
Fire Chief Bartlett told the City Council on May 13 that CAL FIRE (the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) has recommended updated fire hazard severity maps for local responsibility areas that introduce “moderate” and “high” hazard categories in addition to “very high.” The maps incorporate new science including localized ember‑spread modeling and recent fire history.
Why it matters: Those maps determine where state‑recommended building standards, defensible‑space and home‑hardening requirements may apply. Chief Bartlett said adopting the maps locally can affect how insurers assess wildfire exposure and may influence premiums or renewals.
What the chief presented: Bartlett summarized the 2025 update and told the council that local jurisdictions may raise (but not lower) hazard designations before adopting them and that the maps reflect long‑term hazard potential rather than short‑term conditions like red‑flag warnings. He noted the update was “the first update to the fire hazard severity zone maps for local responsibility areas since 02/2011,” and that maps draw on 2018 data plus improved climate and ember modeling.
Council and staff response: Bartlett said the city will bring an ordinance for council consideration as required by government code; he reported that staff will present a first reading at a public hearing later this month and a second reading in June to meet a state deadline. He emphasized residents' interest: the city's 30‑day survey showed 94% of respondents supported using scientific data such as ember modeling to guide hazard designation.
Opportunities and community action: Bartlett and council members encouraged resident participation in Firewise Communities and the nascent Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council; Bartlett described the Fire Safe Council as the likely nonprofit umbrella to help secure grants and coordinate neighborhood Firewise efforts. He said the council is forming bylaws and pursuing 501(c)(3) status to obtain funding the city cannot receive directly.
What the city will decide: The council will review a draft ordinance to adopt the CAL FIRE recommended maps; adopting them will trigger code and permitting changes consistent with state guidance and is meant to position the city to seek mitigation funding and to avoid insurance‑market disadvantages for residents.
What did not happen tonight: The council did not change hazard designations, adopt the maps, or approve any new local regulations tonight; Bartlett said the city will return with a formal ordinance and further technical information.
