To enhance wildfire resiliency measures in California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order that fast-tracked the release of updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones mapping in Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs). LRAs are areas protected by local fire districts. In Dana Point, local fire authority is under the jurisdiction of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).

Enter your address on the linked interactive map to locate your zone. 
The map of Dana Point may be accessed here.

It is important for the public to understand that these maps were created by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the direction of the State Fire Marshal. Local agencies, including the City of Dana Point, DO NOT CONTROL the creation of the maps but are required to make the community aware that the maps have been updated and are available to view.  

New responsibilities in these zones include:

• Homeowners in Very High FHSZ must comply with stringent defensible space and home hardening requirements. Specifically, homeowners in this zone shall maintain “defensible space” within 100 feet of buildings, homes and adjoining decks. Trees need to be trimmed, dead or dying vegetation must be removed and flammable brush must be cleared. The greatest degree of vegetation control and landscaping must occur within 30 feet of a home or building.
• Property sellers must disclose FHSZ designations during real estate transactions. They also must present documentation showing that an inspection was done within six months and that the property complies with defensible space requirements.
• New construction and renovations in designated zones must adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes. Specifically, new construction and renovations in the high and very-high fire zones must comply with Chapter 7A, which mandates that homes have fire-resistant roofs and rain gutters, have outer walls capable of withstanding heat and flames for up to an hour, have double-pane windows with tempered, shatter-proof glass and ember-resistant attic and garage vents.

The state Board of Forestry is drafting new regulations that will require property owners in very-high fire zones to maintain ember-free zones within five feet of a structure — the so-called Zone 0. That means paving or rock must surround a home, and flammable materials like wooden gates, plants and bark mulch will be banned in that 5-foot perimeter.

More information is provided by CAL FIRE in the linked FAQ.

Dana Point staff, in close coordination with OCFA, are making the maps available to the public in accordance with state requirements.  The City Council is expected to agendize the maps for consideration on or before July 15, 2025.  

If you have any questions about the maps and the process, you may contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal at FHSZinformation@fire.ca.gov or by calling (916) 633-7655.

Questions specific to Dana Point may be emailed to jmccloskey@danapoint.org

California Department of Insurance Information

The following information was provided by the California Department of Insurance to assist in understanding the affect the maps may have on insurance.

•  Q&A - Insurance & CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

For more information, please call the Department of Insurance hotline at 1-800-927-4357 or visit their website at www.insurance.ca.gov