Laguna Beach, CA – On March 24, 2025, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) issued its 2025 Recommended Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for the City of Laguna Beach. This release is part of a statewide effort to enhance public safety and better inform communities of wildfire risk based on the latest science, topography, vegetation, and fire history.

The FHSZ maps identify areas of Moderate, High, and Very High fire hazard and are a critical tool in California’s wildfire preparedness and land-use planning strategy. Developed through robust fire science and risk analysis, these maps help guide building standards, defensible space requirements, and emergency response planning.

In accordance with Assembly Bill 211, local governments are required to adopt these maps by ordinance and designate the severity zones within their jurisdiction. Senate Bill 63 further mandates that local agencies make these maps publicly accessible within 30 days of their transmittal.

Under California Government Code Section 51179 (b)(3), cities and counties may not decrease the level of hazard designated by the OSFM. However, local jurisdictions are permitted to increase the level or expand the area of designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on local knowledge or conditions.

The 2025 Recommended FHSZ maps for Laguna Beach are now available for public review at www.lagunabeachcity.net/FHSZMap

The City of Laguna Beach must adopt the maps by ordinance within 120 days of their release to remain in compliance with state law.

For questions about the FHSZ maps or the adoption process, please contact:
Fire Marshal Robert Montaghami at rmontaghami@lagunabeachcity.net or please call
(949) 497-0352.