Credit: USDA

October 14, 2023 - The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) reports the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has announced an additional public comment period on the state responsibility area (SRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, as well as several changes to the previous version of the maps as a result of public comments received in prior comment periods. After reviewing more than two hundred comments, adjustments were made to the maps which resulted in just over 16,900 acres (.05%) receiving an updated designation in five counties, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Luis Obispo. These adjustments are reflected in the new map dated September 29, 2023, and resulted in 7,168 acres of Very High FHSZ reclassified as High (6,993 acres) and Moderate (175 acres) FHSZ.

Due to the adjustments, the OSFM has opened an additional comment period from October 13, 2023, through October 30, 2023, to accept written comments on the updates. Public comment on the updated zones within these maps will be accepted October 13, 2023, through October 30, 2023.  The public may submit written comment at the address below or through email at FHSZcomments@fire.ca.gov. 

ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-seven member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Source: RCRC