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Refreshed maps reveal fire hazard zones across Central California

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Refreshed maps reveal fire hazard zones across Central California


TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — For the first time in 14 years, California’s fire hazard severity zones maps have been updated by the state fire marshal.

Based on fire history and conditions of locations, areas across the state rank from Moderate to High and Very High fire risk.

“The hazard maps are being updated to more accurately reflect areas of California that have a higher risk of wildfires, and it’s a good tool for the public to know how prepared to be,” said Savanna Birchfield-Gernt, with CAL FIRE in Tulare County.

“While it is helpful to be prepared, it is helpful to know to see a marker for where you are and see a risk of hazard.”

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Action News asked about the biggest change from the old maps to the new ones.

“The addition of moderate and high fire hazards severity zones, and with that is a new requirement as of January 1st 2026, for new development to construct homes to chapter 7-A in the high fire hazard severity zones,” explained Jim McDougald, assistant deputy director for Wildfire planning and risk reduction with CAL FIRE.

In both Kings and Tulare counties, the fire hazard zones that made the list include Avenal, Woodlake, and parts of Porterville.

Plus, several unincorporated areas.

The land spans about 27,000 acres in Tulare County and close to 59,000 in Kings County, which sit between Moderate and High Risk.

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“What I will tell people is we always want you to be aware of wildfires, especially when you are living in the foothills of Tulare County, where you will likely see CAL FIRE,” said Birchfield-Gernt.

In Tulare County’s unincorporated communities, nearly 500 acres are considered Very High risk, compared to none in 2011.

“A lot of people are worried about insurance when it comes to the fire hazard severity zones, so insurance companies use a different rating — they use a risk rating, and ways that people can reduce their ratings where they live is by doing things like home hardening and defensible space,” explains Birchfield-Gernt.

Cal Fire says people should work on defensible space year-round.

The first rounds of inspections are currently underway for foothill communities, including Springville, Posey or California Hot Springs, and Three Rivers..

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People will have three rounds of defensible space inspections before citations are issued.

Cal Fire says their primary goal is to give people the opportunity to learn more about wildfire readiness.

You can visit this website to find the Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

The latest severity zone recommendations in California can be found here.

For news updates, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Copyright © 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.





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More SoCal rallies for and against military action in Iran expected on Sunday and Monday

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More SoCal rallies for and against military action in Iran expected on Sunday and Monday


LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Worshippers across Los Angeles were met with an increased law enforcement presence on Sunday as police and sheriff’s deputies stepped up patrols outside mosques, synagogues and cultural landmarks following the strikes on Iran.

Local officials said there are no credible threats to Southern California, but the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department heightened visibility as a precaution to ensure communities stay safe.

More demonstrations tied to the attack on Iran are expected Sunday and Monday. Several protests were held across Southern California on Saturday.

READ MORE | Rallies for and against military action in Iran draw demonstrators across Southern California

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While Iranian-Americans celebrated in Westwood, protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles to oppose the Trump administration’s attacks against Iran.

While some groups gathered in downtown Los Angeles to protest the strikes, others assembled in Westwood to celebrate “the fall of the Ayotollah,” according to organizers.

Authorities said they will continue monitoring events as the region prepares for additional gatherings in the days ahead.

This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan officially announce run for California governor

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan officially announce run for California governor




San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan officially announce run for California governor – CBS San Francisco

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has officially entered the 2026 California gubernatorial race.

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Six planets to align in “planetary parade” above California. Here’s how to see it.

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Six planets to align in “planetary parade” above California. Here’s how to see it.


A rare celestial event will be taking place in the sky above California on Saturday night, as six planets are expected to be visible in what is being called a “planetary parade.”

Look towards the western horizon 30-60 minutes after sunset. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will all be lined up along an arc, visible to the naked eye creating a literal parade of planets.

The alignment only occurs every few years, with the next one not until 2028.

Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are frequently seen in the night sky, but the addition of Venus and Mercury make this planet lineup particularly noteworthy.

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In the San Francisco Bay Area, there will be some cloud coverage Saturday evening, but it should be in the high levels of the atmosphere so hopefully the horizon remains clear. In Los Angeles and San Diego, the forecast is expected to be clear.

Meanwhile, the planetary parade may not be visible in the northern part of the state, with cloudy conditions expected Saturday night in Sacramento, and possible showers and thunderstorms in Eureka and Redding.

People with telescopes and binoculars will also be able to see Uranus and Neptune as well.

For amateur astronomers, this also would be a fun time to test out your telescope skills by checking out Jupiter’s many moons or Saturn’s rings.

Please note that if your view is obscured by buildings, trees or hills, you won’t see the parade because it will appear very low on the horizon.

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The nontechnical term is Parade of Planets, but the technical term is planetary alignment. Basically, it’s just the name for what happens when the planets and sun line up in the sky, these happen during events called oppositions and conjunctions.

Opposition is the term for when a planet is directly opposite the Earth from the Sun. Meanwhile, conjunction is when they are aligned with each other and is when we get the best views of the planets. 



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