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Council introduces 2025 California Fire Code, designates small local fire severity zone
Summary
Newman's council introduced an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) and accepted Cal Fire's recommended fire hazard severity mapping that designates a small portion of city limits near the wastewater plant as a moderate severity zone; first reading carried 3-0.
The Newman City Council held the first reading and introduction of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) and to designate fire hazard severity zones recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection under Government Code section 51178.
Fire Chief Bowen (presenting) told the council the fire code, like the building code, is on a three-year revision cycle and the city may adopt local modifications based on findings for local conditions. Bowen listed local factors such as the I-5 corridor, commercial truck traffic, pipelines and rail service as reasons the city may keep or add local modifications to offset increased risk to life and property.
Chief Bowen also showed the Cal Fire severity map the city received; the map designates a small area east of the wastewater treatment plant (within a narrow portion of city limits) as a moderate fire severity zone. Bowen said this designation does not represent a planned development restriction but will inform how the city applies certain fire-code measures.
A council member moved to introduce the ordinance and authorize staff to publish a summary; the motion carried 3-0 with two council members absent. The item returns for a second reading and final adoption at a subsequent meeting.
