Folsom adopts new CAL FIRE hazard severity map

While Folsom adopted fire hazard zones defined by the state, officials explained the maps are not used for insurance rates. The Folsom City Council approved redefined city fire hazard severity zones April 22, required by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The State Fire Marshal by law is responsible for classifying local areas into fire hazard severity zones. Following the devastating 1991 Oakland Hills Fire, the program was expanded in 1992 to include "local responsibility" areas like Folsom. CAL FIRE added "moderate and high" fire hazard rankings to the mix in 2021. Maps that previously reflected only "very high" hazard areas now include the lower rankings. The map shows Folsom has no high or very high areas, but American River Canyon and Folsom Ranch are pegged as "moderate." Not far west of Folsom, however, El Dorado maps show basically a wall of high and very high hazard areas around Folsom Lake and beyond. "In short, really nothing has changed," said Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano. "There is no impact on construction requirements or on homeowners at this time." The California Department of Insurance explained the new maps don't affect insurance rates or availability. "Let me be clear. The CAL FIRE hazard maps are not used for insurance rates or underwriting decisions," said State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. Insurance companies use risk models, which consider the susceptibility of a structure to damage from fire and other short-term factors that are not included in hazard modeling, Cusano said. CAL FIRE developed the updated maps using a science-based, field-tested model based on key factors influencing fire likelihood and behavior. The model considers fire history, fuels like natural vegetation, predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain and typical fire weather conditions. "The maps reflect fire hazard rather than fire risk," the chief said. Similar to flood zones, the designations indicate the probability of fire in an area over a 30- to 50-year period. The rank is, however, without mitigation efforts like home hardening, recent wildfires or fuel reduction programs, Cusano said. "Insurance companies use risk models, which consider the susceptibility of a structure to damage from fire and other short-term factors that are not included in hazard modeling," the chief said. Local agencies like Folsom do not have the authority to remove or lower fire hazard severity zones assigned. Folsom can, however, increase the severity classifications if warranted, said Cusano. The council introduced the uncodified ordinance at its regular April 22 meeting last week, and the required second reading is scheduled for May 13.