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Fullerton adopts CAL FIRE 2025 hazard‑severity maps, expands fireworks restrictions
Summary
City Council adopted CAL FIRE's updated 2025 fire hazard severity zone maps and an ordinance incorporating them into municipal code. Very‑high hazard area increased by roughly 28%, and fireworks restrictions will expand to the newly designated zones.
The Fullerton City Council voted unanimously to adopt CAL FIRE’s updated 2025 fire hazard severity maps and to incorporate them into municipal code, moving forward an ordinance (No. 3341) that formally designates moderate, high and very‑high fire hazard zones across the city.
Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal John Fugate told the council the new modeling accounts for ember transport and other long‑term fire behavior factors, and increases the city’s very‑high hazard area by roughly 28% (about 330 acres). Staff said the changes are statewide in scope and reflect updated scientific modeling of vegetation, topography and historical wind patterns.
The ordinance adoption also expands existing restrictions on the sale and discharge of fireworks to cover the newly mapped zones. Fugate emphasized that the maps themselves are hazard indicators (long‑term potential) rather than an insurer’s risk rating; he also said utilities for new construction within designated zones will be subject to updated Chapter 7A building requirements and other state regulations that affect ignition‑resistant construction and defensible space.
Council members asked about the operational impacts and resources for inspection and enforcement. Staff said outreach materials have been mailed to affected properties and noted the department will assess whether additional prevention staffing is needed to implement the new state requirements.
Outcome: Council adopted the ordinance and directed staff to continue outreach and to assess enforcement resources.
