Cal Fire FRAP Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) - Central Marin

CAL FIRE has released the updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, identifying areas with moderate, high, and very high wildfire risk within Local Responsibility Areas (LRA).  Check your property’s fire hazard classification and learn how these updates may impact you. Click here to learn more.

In accordance with Government Code Section 51178.5, the Central Marin Fire Authority is mandated to facilitate public access to the proposed map and host public comment period.

It is important for the public to understand that these maps are created by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the direction of the State Fire Marshal. Our local fire agency does not control the creation of the map but is required to ensure the community has the opportunity to review and provide feedback.

California Government Code Section 51179(a) mandates that local agencies "shall designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones in [their] jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178.  The Central Marin Fire Authority (CMFA) received these maps on February 24, 2025.

These maps aim to provide valuable information for land use planning, building code enforcement, and wildfire risk mitigation strategies. Public input can help identify concerns, validate data, and improve the understanding of how these zones may impact residents, businesses, and emergency response planning.

Wildfire Risk Home Evaluations Are Underway in Your Neighborhood

Central Marin Fire Department and the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) are working together to reduce wildfire risk across Central Marin. As part of this effort, trained inspectors will conduct Defensible Space and Home Hardening Evaluations throughout Larkspur and Corte Madera. These evaluations are authorized by the Fire Chief and are part of a countywide program funded by Measure C (2020) to help communities prepare for wildfire.

This free program identifies specific steps that homeowners can take to reduce vegetation hazards and harden structures against ember intrusion, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. The inspection process follows local Fire Code ordinances and guidelines provided by California Public Resources Code 4291.

If you are not home during the inspection, inspectors will only assess areas visible from the public right-of-way—typically from the street or driveway to the front door. Inspectors cannot enter gates, access backyards, or walk around structures without your explicit permission. To authorize a full-property evaluation, you may log in and sign a Right of Entry (ROE) form online in advance of your scheduled inspection.

To provide ROE authorization in advance or review past evaluations, visit www.defensiblespacereport.org/marin.

Upcoming Neighborhood Inspection Schedule (2025)

• Week of June 2 – Meadowsweet neighborhood, Corte Madera
• Week of May 19 – Baltimore Canyon & Sycamore Canyon (aka Madrone Canyon & Blue Rock), Larkspur
• Week of April 7 – Chapman Park, Corte Madera
• Week of March 31 – Marina Vista, Larkspur & Christmas Tree Hill, Corte Madera
• Week of March 24 – Palm Hill, Corte Madera
• Week of March 3 – Madera Gardens, Corte Madera

Your Wildfire Risk Report

Approximately 24 hours after your inspection, you will receive a customized Wildfire Risk Report with clear, actionable steps to reduce your home’s wildfire risk. Some items may be required by law, while others are strong recommendations based on your property’s conditions. All property owners are required to maintain defensible space year-round—please don’t wait for an inspection to begin this critical work.

At Central Marin Fire Department, our top priority is ensuring the safety of our community and neighbors during wildfire season. Wildfires can spread rapidly, and being prepared to act quickly is critical to protecting yourself, your family, and your neighbors. Below, we’ve outlined essential tips, tools, and resources to help you stay informed and ready.

Wildfire Evacuation: A Comprehensive Guide for Central Marin

Wildfires are an inherent risk in Marin County, and their dynamic nature requires every resident to be prepared to act quickly and decisively. Evacuation planning is one of the most effective ways to protect lives during wildfire emergencies. This page serves as your detailed guide to wildfire evacuation, tailored to the unique terrain and challenges of Central Marin.

Understanding Evacuations

Wildfires are dynamic and influenced by numerous factors, making their behavior challenging to predict without precise knowledge of the ignition point, weather conditions, and terrain at the time of the fire. This unpredictability underscores the importance of having a well-prepared evacuation plan that can be adapted to real-time conditions. Public safety officials issue three primary types of notifications:

• Evacuation Warning: Prepare to leave. A short delay to gather essentials may be permissible, but readiness to depart immediately is critical.
• Evacuation Order: Leave immediately. Do not delay for any reason. Follow all instructions from authorities.
• Shelter in Place: Stay in a safe location when evacuation is unsafe or unnecessary.

Knowing the difference between these notifications and being ready to act can save lives.

Key Principles for Safe Evacuation

1. Evacuate Downhill Whenever Possible: Fires move uphill rapidly due to wind and radiant heat.
2. Take the Shortest Route to Safety: Time is critical. Use the quickest route to the valley floor or a designated safe area.
3. Stay in Your Vehicle When Evacuating: Vehicles provide protection from smoke, radiant heat, and embers.
4. Know Two or More Routes: Familiarize yourself with multiple paths out of your area to ensure flexibility during an emergency.
5. Avoid Fire Roads and Open Space Areas: These routes often have unburned vegetation and are not designed for evacuation.
6. Dress to Protect Yourself, Even in Your Car: Wear cotton or wool clothing, long sleeves, and long pants. Sturdy shoes or boots, leather gloves, goggles, a floppy cotton hat, and a cotton face covering with an N95 mask provide additional protection.

Step 1: Prepare Before a Wildfire

Create an Evacuation Plan

Develop a personalized evacuation plan for your household. Consider the following:

Pile burning Central Marin Fire Department - Larkspur and Corte Madera, CA as part of the GHreater Ross Valley Shaded Fuel Break

Starting the week of April 15, Firefighters, in cooperation with Marin County Parks and Open Space, will begin burning brush piles for disposal in Larkspur's Madrone Canyon (Redwood, Millard, Olive streets) and Kentfield's Blue Ridge. This work, funded by Measure A, is part of the multi-year "Greater Ross Valley Shaded Fuel Break" project. The Grea...