Public Encouraged to Review Updated Cal Fire Hazard Maps

The City of West Hollywood is asking residents and community members to review updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps released by Cal Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. These maps, which assess wildfire risk throughout the state, are part of Cal Fire’s most comprehensive update in years and are now available for public comment.

About the Fire Hazard Maps

Cal Fire’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps categorize areas as Moderate, High, or Very High risk for wildfire based on environmental factors including vegetation, topography, weather conditions, and historical fire data. The updated maps are intended to reflect the likelihood of wildfire over a 30- to 50-year period and are designed to guide land-use decisions, emergency planning, and public awareness.

It’s important to note that these maps do not reflect fire mitigation efforts such as defensible space, fire-resistant construction, or urban planning measures. They are purely predictive tools assessing natural hazard potential.

Why It Matters

Wildfire risk in California continues to grow. In 2024 alone, the state experienced more than 8,000 fires and over 1 million acres burned — the most active fire year since 2021. Already in 2025, the Eaton and Palisades fires devastated parts of Los Angeles County, destroying more than 18,000 structures and causing at least 30 deaths.

To help communities prepare for future risk, cities like West Hollywood are required to formally adopt the revised hazard maps by ordinance within 120 days of release. As part of that process, the City is facilitating a 30-day public comment period to collect local feedback.

How to Participate

West Hollywood residents, businesses, and community stakeholders are encouraged to review the maps and submit their input by Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

• Online: engage.weho.org/firemaps

• Email: Submit comments to safety@weho.org with the subject line “Public Comment: Fire Maps”

While Cal Fire’s maps are final and not subject to change through this local comment process, community input is valuable to the City’s public safety planning and future mitigation efforts.