FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is rolling out updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for local Responsibility Areas (LRA) across the State. The map was released March 24, 2025 in accordance with Government Code 51178. In the new proposed version, the LRA is broken down into three categories: Moderate, High and Very High. The map is based on new science, ember spread and local climate data. The entire City of Cathedral City has been designated a ‘Moderate’ zone. 

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 Cathedral City DO NOT CONTROL the creation of the maps but are required to make the community aware that the maps have been updated and area available to view. 

Timeline

• April 23, 2025 – Public Hearing and informational report given at Regular City Council Meeting

• April 23 – May 27, 2025 – Receive public comment

• May 28, 2025 – Hold Public Hearing related to Ordinance at the City Council Meeting

• June 24, 2025 – Hold Second Reading of Ordinance and Adoption of said Ordinance

The City Council is expected to agendize the maps for adoption on or before July 25, 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

The City of Cathedral City is accepting public comment on the Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps as received by the California Sate Fire Marshal’s Office and accepting the map, without changes, as published.  If you have any comment please email to Fireinfo@cathedralcity.gov