Carmichael, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Fire Hazard Severity Zones are designated by the State Fire Marshal and CAL FIRE under California Government Code Sections 51178-51179 (Local Responsibility Area) and the Public Resources Code (State Responsibility Area). CAL FIRE released updated FHSZ maps in 2025, with Local Responsibility Area maps released in phases (February 10, February 24, March 10, and March 24, 2025). For Sacramento County, the updated maps added roughly 1,267 acres of Very High and more than 2,000 acres of High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, concentrated in south and southeast Sacramento near the Amador and San Joaquin county lines, plus approximately 60,000 acres of Moderate zone including communities in Rancho Cordova, around Mather Airport, and near Folsom. CAL FIRE notes the Very High zone in Sacramento has grown substantially since the prior maps, partly because the agency now maps Moderate and High zones (in the prior cycle it mapped only Very High). The bulk of the county remains unmapped/low-hazard valley floor. Consequences of being in a mapped zone: defensible space under PRC Section 4291 / Government Code Section 51182 (100 feet); for new construction and substantial remodels in High/Very High zones, California Building Code Chapter 7A wildland-urban-interface standards (ember-resistant vents, Class A roofing, ignition-resistant exterior, tempered glazing); and Natural Hazard Disclosure obligations at sale. Owners should verify their parcel's status using CAL FIRE's address-search FHSZ map tool, since most county properties are not affected.