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D.2

To:	Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Board of Directors
From:	Lewis T. Broschard III, Chief, Contra Costa Fire Protection District
Date:	March 21, 2023

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Report on CAL FIRE Hazard Severity Zone Maps

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 03/21/2023

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, Director
Candace Andersen, Director
Diane Burgis, Director
Ken Carlson, Director
Federal D. Glover, Director

Contact:

Lewis T. Broschard III, Fire Chief (925) 941-3300

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: March 21, 2023
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ACCEPT a report on CAL FIRE Hazard Severity Zone Maps; and PROVIDE direction to staff regarding a response to CAL FIRE within the public comment period. (No fiscal impact)

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact.

BACKGROUND:

Public Resources Code 4201-4204 directs the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to map fire hazard within State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors present, including areas where winds have been identified by the department as a major cause of wildfire spread. These zones, referred to as Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ), classify a wildland zone as Moderate, High, or Very High fire hazard based on the average hazard across the area included in the zone.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

These maps were last updated in 2007. Since that time, the wildland urban interface environment has changed dramatically. Fifteen of California's top twenty most destructive fires have occurred since the maps were last updated.

Five of these top twenty most destructive fires occurred in the Nine Bay Area Region.

According to CAL FIRE, "Overall, the map shows increased fire hazard, reflecting California's increase in wildfire occurrence and severity because of many factors, including a changing climate. The map has been updated to more accurately reflect the zones in California that are susceptible to wildfire, to help provide transparency for planning and preparedness efforts, and to provide communities a forecasting tool so that the public can take steps to prevent and prepare for wildfire. The hazard mapping process incorporates local climate data and changes in burn probability based on recent trends in fire occurrence."

These map designations will have impacts for building codes, land use, and planning decisions. What is currently up for review is only the State Responsibility Areas (SRA). SRA land almost always falls within the unincorporated areas of a County. Later this year, CAL FIRE will roll out new maps for the Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). The LRA areas are typically found within City limits of incorporated cities.

These maps were created by CAL FIRE without input from CCCFPD. They were first released to the public and local fire agencies in January 2023. CAL FIRE has been conducting public hearings throughout the state. CCCFPD and other local agencies have attended these hearings and offered public comment. The public comment period was recently extended to April 4, 2023. With this additional time, staff brings the matter forward for Board of Directors review, direction, and, possibly, additional public comment. A FAQ document and a map, provided by CAL FIRE, have been provided as attachments to this staff report.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

The State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will move forward with this public hearing process with or without our input.

CLERK'S ADDENDUM

Speaker: Caller 1.