The State Fire Marshal designates fire hazard severity zones (moderate, high, very high) within Bishop. On March 24, 2025, updated maps were issued, and the City must adopt them by ordinance. Very high zones trigger 100-foot defensible space and stricter building requirements.
Bishop lies in the wildfire-prone Eastern Sierra, and the California State Fire Marshal maps fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ) inside city limits. Updated maps designating moderate, high, and very high zones were issued March 24, 2025, and the City must adopt them by ordinance within 120 days; the City may raise but not lower a state-assigned zone. Properties in very high fire hazard severity zones are subject to the defensible-space provisions of Government Code section 51182 and State Board of Forestry regulations, plus WUI building standards (ignition-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents) for new construction. Zone designation also affects insurance and disclosure at sale. Residents can check their zone through CAL FIRE's FHSZ hub linked by the City.
Failing to maintain required defensible space in a very high zone can bring city abatement and cost-recovery; non-compliant construction in a mapped zone can be denied permits or occupancy.
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See how Bishop's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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