New map highlights high fire hazard zones in California

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A brand new proposed map of California exhibits many areas of the state at a really excessive threat of wildfire hazard, together with Central California.

After greater than 15 years, CAL FIRE lately launched an up to date Fireplace Hazard Severity Zone Map, rating California’s rural, unincorporated space’s probability of experiencing wildfire.

“On the map is actually to tell the general public of the hazard of the world they’re in, and to permit them to take the mandatory measures to organize for wildfire,” Fireplace Chief Steve Hawks stated

The map highlights areas in Central California, like Mariposa County and even Fresno County, in very excessive hearth hazard severity zones.

Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig says he is seen the modifications round him.

“This new map didn’t shock me, as a result of while you journey up into our power and also you check out the situation that they are in with your individual eyes, you’ll be able to see an enormous distinction,” Magsig stated.

Many timber have died off as California faces longer hearth seasons and drier circumstances.

In 2020, the Creek Fireplace was the only largest hearth in California historical past, charring almost 400,000 acres..

Magsig stated these points return greater than 100 years, suggesting the perpetrator is the local weather.

“So the local weather is cyclical. And so it is necessary for us to be good managers, not simply as soon as a technology, however in perpetuity,” Magsig stated.

Magsig says Fresno County is already doing the work to guard the general public. In early December, Fresno County Tree Mortality Activity Power was awarded the distinguished Francis H. Raymond Award for his or her hearth prevention efforts.

Fresno county can also be partnering with native organizations and different companies to cut back the hearth threat.

“We must be in our forest, thinning them correctly. We have to have extra prescribed burning occasions in our forest, and as we do that, it would permit our forest to turn into wholesome once more,” Magsig stated.

The Workplace of the State Fireplace Marshal has began a a public remark interval. There might be many hearings over the subsequent a number of weeks earlier than the map is formally adopted.

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