San Bernardino County has extensive Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones covering mountains, foothills, and chaparral areas. These areas must comply with PRC 4291 defensible space and WUI code.
CAL FIRE has designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) across large portions of San Bernardino County, particularly in the San Bernardino Mountains (Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, Crestline, Wrightwood), the San Gabriel foothills (Lytle Creek, Mount Baldy), and chaparral-covered foothills above the valley. The county is within the State Responsibility Area (SRA) for much of the mountain and rural land, with CAL FIRE providing primary wildland protection. Properties in VHFHSZ must comply with Public Resources Code 4291, which requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures. The county has also adopted Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (WUI), requiring ignition-resistant construction, ember-resistant vents, noncombustible roofs, and dual-paned windows for new construction and remodels in fire hazard zones. Property owners can verify their zone designation at osfm.fire.ca.gov or through the county Land Use Services office. Defensible space inspections are conducted annually by CAL FIRE and San Bernardino County Fire Protection District.
Non-compliance with defensible space requirements can result in CAL FIRE citations starting at 100 dollars for a first violation, 250 dollars for a second, and 500 dollars for subsequent violations within a year, plus abatement costs if the county clears the property. Structures built without WUI compliance may be denied certificate of occupancy.
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See how San Bernardino County's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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