KERN COUNTY, Calif. | Due to new requirements established by Senate Bill 63 (Stern, 2021), which mandates the adoption of all three Fire Hazard Severity Zone classifications—Moderate, High, and Very High—within Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs), updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for LRAs are now available for public review and comment.
Previously, only Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones were required for adoption in these areas. With the enactment of SB 63, the State has expanded requirements to better reflect the varying levels of fire hazard risk and improve wildfire preparedness and planning efforts across California communities.
The public is encouraged to view the updated FHSZ maps online and participate in the public comment process. These maps help residents, planners, and fire agencies better understand the wildfire risks in specific areas, supporting enhanced building standards, defensible space requirements, and emergency planning.
View the Maps and Submit Comments
The updated maps and information on how to submit public comments are available at:
https://kernplanning.com/fhsz-2025/
Public input is a vital part of this process, and residents are encouraged to share their feedback during the open comment period.
