Wildfires in California are intensifying in frequency, size, and impact, driven by a combination of climatic, ecological, and human factors. In recent years, California has seen a sharp rise in wildfire activity, with 2024 marking more than 8,000 fires and more than 1-million acres burned — its most active fire year since 2021.

In early 2025, the Eaton and Palisades fires devastated Los Angeles County, destroying more 18,000 structures and causing at least 30 deaths, making them some of the most destructive wildfires the state has faced.

To better prepare for the future, Cal Fire (the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), the state agency responsible for fire prevention, protection, and resource management, is required to classify the severity of fire hazard in areas all over California.

In March 2025, Cal Fire released the final phase of its updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, marking the first comprehensive revision in years. These maps assess wildfire hazards across the state, categorizing areas into Moderate, High, or Very High risk zones based on factors such as vegetation, topography, weather patterns, and fire history.

Approximately 1.2 million additional acres in the state have been designated as High or Very High fire hazard zones. Cities and counties across the state, such as the City of West Hollywood, are mandated to adopt the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps by ordinance within 120 days of release.

As part of the state-level adoption of updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, the City of West Hollywood is providing links to these Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps to the community and is required by Cal Fire to facilitate a 30-day public comment period as part of this process. Please note that the public comment period will allow community members to provide their concerns and feedback on the Cal Fire maps but it does not alter or change the maps that have been established by Cal Fire for West Hollywood.

These Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps are predictive tools that estimate the likelihood of wildfire occurrence over a 30- to 50-year period, considering natural factors but not accounting for mitigation efforts such as fire-resistant construction or vegetation management. The maps are instrumental in guiding local land-use planning, emergency preparedness, and community awareness.

The last day public comment will be collected regarding Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps is Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

If you have questions, please call the City’s Public Safety Division at (323) 848-6414.