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Council introduces ordinance adopting state fire hazard severity map; San Gabriel not placed in high‑hazard zone
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance 7-19 to adopt CAL FIRE’s local responsibility area fire hazard severity zone maps. Fire Chief Steve Wallace told the council the city was not designated moderate, high or very high hazard; the ordinance received unanimous first‑reading support and will return for second reading.
The City Council on Tuesday introduced Ordinance 7‑19, which adopts the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) fire hazard severity zone map for local responsibility areas, and set a second reading and final adoption for the next regular meeting.
Fire Chief Steve Wallace explained the 2025 map update and the methodology CAL FIRE uses — historical fire occurrence, vegetation/fuels, topography, climate and ember/flare behavior. He emphasized the maps are planning tools rather than risk assessments. "I'm happy to report that the city of San Gabriel is not in any moderate, high, or very high, severity zone," Wallace told the council, noting that most higher‑rated areas lie in foothill and more vegetated neighboring jurisdictions.
Chief Wallace identified local vegetated pockets and washes where the department maintains partnerships and mitigation efforts — including portions of the Alhambra Wash, Rubio Wash adjacent to Mission Walk and a vacant parcel in the 800 block of Gladys — but said most of those areas have been mitigated in coordination with Los Angeles County Flood Control District, the Army Corps and other agencies.
Staff recommended waiving full reading and introducing Ordinance 7‑19 by title only; council approved the motion 5–0. The ordinance will be scheduled for a second reading and potential adoption at the next regular meeting and would become effective 30 days after adoption.
Context and effect: Because San Gabriel’s local responsibility area map designation did not change to a higher severity rating, staff said no immediate changes to local building codes or land‑use rules were necessary. The ordinance formalizes the city’s adoption of the state map as required by Government Code section 51179 within the state's timeline for cities that previously had a “no hazard” designation.
Quote
“The maps are used as tools for planning, safety regulations, and building standards,” — Steve Wallace, Fire Chief.
Ending: The council introduced and supported Ordinance 7‑19 unanimously; staff will return with the ordinance for formal adoption and implementation steps if needed.
