Wildfire Zones: Altadena vs Downey
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Altadena, CA and Downey, CA?
Downey has fewer restrictions than Altadena.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Most of Altadena sits in CalFire-mapped Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — the January 2025 Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of structures here. Properties in these zones face heightened defensible-space, ember-resistant construction, and disclosure requirements.
View full Altadena rules →Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
Downey is a flat, urbanized city in SE Los Angeles County and is not located in a CalFire State Responsibility Area (SRA) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Standard fire safety codes apply.
View full Downey rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | CalFire FHSZ Maps + LA County Title 32 | - |
| Construction Standard | CBC Chapter 7A in VHFHSZ | - |
| Disclosure | AB 38 required pre-2010 homes | - |
| Eaton Fire | January 2025 — Altadena devastated | - |
| Fire Hazard Zone | - | Not in VHFHSZ |
| SRA Status | - | Not in State Responsibility Area |
| Terrain | - | Flat, fully urbanized |
| Fire Code | - | CA Fire Code applies citywide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Is Altadena in a fire hazard zone?
Yes — most of Altadena north of Altadena Drive and into the foothills is in CalFire's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, with additional High and Moderate areas mapped in 2024.
Downey FAQ
How much defensible space do I need?
Typically 30 feet of lean/clean zone and 100 feet of reduced fuel zone around structures in Downey wildfire areas.
Is my property in a wildfire zone?
Check with Downey fire department or your state wildfire hazard map. Real estate disclosures must include wildfire zone status.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Downey compare on other ordinance categories.
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