High Fire Risk Zones: Is Your Home in One?

Check any address against federal wildfire hazard data — and, in California, the official CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone. See your designation, what it means for insurance, and how to lower your risk. Free.

Check if your address is in a high-risk zone →

What is a high fire risk zone?

A “high fire risk zone” is an area officially mapped as having elevated wildfire hazard based on terrain, vegetation (fuels), weather, and historical fire behavior. In California these are the legal Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) — Moderate, High, and Very High — mapped by CAL FIRE. Nationally, the U.S. Forest Service “Wildfire Risk to Communities” model serves the same purpose. FireRisk.ai combines both with FEMA and recorded fire history into one 0–100 score for any address.

Why it matters

  • Insurance. Carriers price off this data; high-risk zones see higher premiums and non-renewals.
  • Building codes. In California, Very High zones trigger Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction requirements.
  • Disclosure. California’s AB 38 requires sellers to disclose a home’s fire-hazard zone and defensible-space compliance.
  • Safety. Knowing your zone tells you how seriously to take defensible space and home hardening.

High fire risk zones by state

See the hazard picture, maps, and city/county breakdowns for your state.

California fire risk zones →Oregon fire risk zones →Colorado fire risk zones →Washington fire risk zones →Arizona fire risk zones →Texas fire risk zones →New Mexico fire risk zones →Nevada fire risk zones →Idaho fire risk zones →Montana fire risk zones →Utah fire risk zones →Wyoming fire risk zones →

Insurance in high-risk zones →

What coverage costs, the cheapest options, and what to do if you’ve been non-renewed.

Lower your risk →

Defensible space and home hardening that cut your ignition risk and insurance rating.

High fire risk zone FAQ

Is my home in a high risk fire zone?

Enter your address on FireRisk.ai for a free 0–100 wildfire risk score built from USFS Wildfire Risk to Communities, FEMA, terrain, and recorded fire history. In California we also show the official CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Moderate, High, or Very High) for your location where it’s mapped — the state’s legal designation.

What is a Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ)?

A Fire Hazard Severity Zone is California’s legal wildfire classification, mapped by CAL FIRE as Moderate, High, or Very High. It drives Chapter 7A building codes, PRC 4291 defensible-space requirements, and AB 38 seller disclosure. Other states don’t have an identical legal map, so FireRisk.ai uses the federal USFS “Risk to Communities” model as the nationwide equivalent.

What does being in a high fire risk zone mean for insurance?

Insurers price off the same hazard data. Homes in high-risk zones face higher premiums and, in many ZIPs, non-renewal — but documented defensible space, home hardening, and IBHS certification unlock discounts and can keep you insured. See our guide to home insurance in high fire risk areas.

Can I lower my home’s fire risk zone?

You can’t change the official zone designation (it’s based on terrain and regional fuels), but you can dramatically reduce your home’s actual ignition risk — and your insurance rating — with defensible space, a Class A roof, and ember-resistant vents. That’s often the difference in staying insurable.

Find out in 30 seconds

Enter your address for your fire-hazard zone, 0–100 risk score, and insurance options — free.

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