What’s changing? CAL FIRE is in the process of updating its Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for all areas of the state. The proposed draft map puts much of Bennett Valley in the Very High Hazard Severity Zone (red).
This is a significant change from CAL FIRE’s 2007 map. Under the 2007 map, Bennett Valley was designated as High (orange) or Moderate (yellow) Hazard Severity, and no portion of Bennett Valley was designated as Very High Hazard Severity (red).
What does Hazard Severity mean? Under CAL FIRE’s terminology, Hazard Severity is determined by physical conditions that affect the likelihood of fire and potential fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period. It considers fire history, predicted flame length, embers, terrain, and typical wind and weather for the area. The new CAL FIRE model tries to predict potential fire intensity in the most extreme fire weather conditions.
What can I do? The proposed map has not been finalized. CAL FIRE is taking public comments through February 3, 2023, via email to FHSZcomments@fire.ca.gov.
CAL FIRE will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, January 12, at 2 pm in the chambers of the Board of Supervisors, 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa.
Read More on our website here.
