Wildfire Zones: Martinez vs Oakley
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Martinez, CA and Oakley, CA?
Oakley has fewer restrictions than Martinez.
Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
The State Fire Marshal has designated portions of Martinez as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Properties within these zones face additional building code requirements (Chapter 7A of the California Building Code), mandatory defensible space, and stricter vegetation management. Check the Cal Fire FHSZ maps or cityofmartinez.org for zone designation of your property.
View full Martinez rules →Oakley, CA
Contra Costa County
CAL FIRE has not designated most of Oakley as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and the city lies primarily in a Local Responsibility Area. Surrounding grasslands, Delta-shore wetlands, and the Marsh Creek corridor carry seasonal grass-fire risk enforced by ECCFPD through annual weed abatement. Properties in or near mapped hazard zones must comply with PRC 4291 defensible space. Homeowners should consult CAL FIRE FHSZ maps for their parcel.
View full Oakley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Martinez | Oakley |
|---|---|---|
| Zone Designation | Very High FHSZ in hillside areas of Martinez | - |
| Building Code | CA Building Code Chapter 7A applies | - |
| Check Your Property | cityofmartinez.org fire hazard zone FAQs | - |
| Cal Fire Maps | osfm.fire.ca.gov for statewide FHSZ maps | - |
| Fact | - | Most of Oakley not designated VHFHSZ by CAL FIRE |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Martinez FAQ
Is my Martinez home in a fire zone?
Hillside properties near Briones Regional Park, Alhambra Valley, and Franklin Canyon are most likely in VHFHSZ. Check CAL FIRE maps.
Do refineries affect fire risk?
Martinez refineries maintain their own fire response, but the proximity of industrial and wildland areas creates unique safety planning considerations.
Oakley FAQ
How do I check if my parcel is in a fire hazard zone?
Use the CAL FIRE FHSZ viewer at osfm.fire.ca.gov or contact ECCFPD with your address. Insurance carriers will also rate parcels based on FHSZ and proximity to fuels.
What is Zone 0 and does it apply to me?
Zone 0 is the 0-5 foot ember-resistant buffer created by AB 3074. Regulations are being finalized statewide. If your parcel is in a VHFHSZ, Zone 0 compliance will be required as CAL FIRE completes rulemaking.
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