Loomis planning commission hears workshop on defensible space and home hardening

Division Chief and Fire Marshal Jeff Angolia of the South Placer Fire District presented a workshop to the Loomis Planning Commission on wildland defensible space and home-hardening measures, explaining new state fire-hazard severity maps, three defensible-space zones and practical steps property owners can take to reduce wildfire risk.

Angolia told the commission that the state's updated Local Responsibility Area fire hazard severity zone maps — prepared this year by the state office of the fire marshal and available online — show 1,888 acres in Loomis designated as high fire hazard severity zone and 1,143 acres as moderate. He said there are no "very high" fire hazard severity zones in Loomis and noted that "V 38 takes effect," a change the town implemented by ordinance earlier in August. "We are ready. Are you?" Angolia asked the audience as he began his presentation.

Why it matters: Angolia said the new maps will require owners in high fire-hazard zones to plan and, when applicable, disclose their property's designation…