Wildfire Zones: Anaheim vs Irvine
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Irvine, CA?
Irvine has fewer restrictions than Anaheim.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim designates the Anaheim Hills area as a Special Protection Area (Wildland-Urban Interface). OCFA provides fire protection in these areas. Fire-resistant construction, fuel modification plans, and defensible space are required.
View full Anaheim rules →Irvine, CA
Orange County
Irvine adopted updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps in 2025, expanding Moderate, High, and Very High designations into multiple communities. Properties in FHSZ areas face enhanced building standards and defensible space requirements.
View full Irvine rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| WUI Area | Anaheim Hills | - |
| Fire Service | OCFA (portions) | - |
| Construction | CBC Chapter 7A | - |
| Code | AMC 16.08 / CFC | - |
| FHSZ Map | - | Updated 2025, effective July 2025 |
| Zones | - | Moderate, High, Very High |
| Expanded Areas | - | 8+ communities added |
| Building Code | - | CBC Chapter 7A in VHFHSZ |
| Defensible Space | - | 100 ft required in FHSZ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Is my Anaheim property in a wildfire zone?
The Anaheim Hills area is designated as a Special Protection Area (WUI). Contact the Life Safety Section at Anaheim Fire & Rescue for specific property assessments.
What fire-resistant building requirements apply?
WUI construction must meet CBC Chapter 7A: Class A roof, ember-resistant vents, fire-rated walls. Fuel modification plans required for new development.
Irvine FAQ
Is my Irvine home in a wildfire zone?
Check the city's Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map. The 2025 update expanded zones into Orchard Hills, Woodbury, Portola Springs, Quail Hill, Turtle Rock, and other communities.
What building requirements apply in fire zones?
Properties in Very High FHSZ must meet CBC Chapter 7A standards for ignition-resistant construction, including Class A roofing and fire-resistant walls.
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