Skip Navigation

Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone Update (FHSZ) – Information Hub and Public Comment Opportunity

Fire truck and wildfire.

This page provides comprehensive information about the recent updates to fire hazard severity zones within the Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) of the City of Moreno Valley.

Please note these maps are created by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the direction of the State Fire Marshal. The Moreno Valley Fire Department does not control the creation of the map but is required to ensure the community can review and provide feedback.

In accordance with Government Code Section 51178.5, the City of Moreno Valley is mandated to facilitate public access to the proposed map and host a public comment period.

California Government Code Section 51179(a) mandates that local agencies "shall designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones in [their] jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178.  The City of Moreno Valley received these maps on March 24, 2025.

These maps aim to provide valuable information for land use planning, building code enforcement, and wildfire risk mitigation strategies. Public input can help identify concerns, validate data, and improve the understanding of how these zones may impact residents, businesses, and emergency response planning.

Properties are designated as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on:

  • Terrain and topography
  • Vegetation and fuel conditions
  • Fire history and frequency
  • Climate and weather patterns

Fire Hazard vs. Fire Risk

FHSZ maps identify the hazard potential, not the immediate risk. They do not factor in mitigation efforts such as defensible space, fire-resistant construction, or local firefighting capabilities.

We encourage all residents and stakeholders to review the proposed maps, ask questions, and submit their comments. Your participation is a vital part of this state-mandated process and contributes to a safer, more informed community.

Authorities & References

Government Code 51178
The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.

Assembly Bill 337 (1992) Originally mandated the identification of Very High Fire Severity Zones following destructive wildfires.

Senate Bill 63 (2001)- Expanded fire hazard oversight to include Moderate and High zones in addition to very High FHSZ classifications.

Assembly Bill 211 (2022) Requires local agencies to adopt Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZ designations within 120 days of OSFM recommendations. Local governments cannot downgrade state-designated hazard levels but may increase them if justified.

Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Maps – Current & Historical Comparisons
Here are links to the latest 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for the City of Moreno Valley as well as previous maps. Previous maps let you compare past and present fire hazard classifications and understand changes in fire risk over time. 

How to Make a Public Comment
The public comment period is open effective April 3, 2025 to May 21, 2025. The map is scheduled to be presented to the Moreno Valley City Council for adoption at the June 17, 2025, regular meeting.  All public comments will be included in the report to the City Council. 

Provide your comments here: Public Comment Form

Questions?
For questions about the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, but not public comments, please email FHSZinfo@moval.org . 

Resources and Additional Information

Note: the Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps are created by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the direction of the State Fire Marshal.

The Moreno Valley Fire Department does not control the creation of the map but is required to ensure the community has the opportunity to review and provide feedback.