Fillmore, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Fire Zones
- VHFHSZ in hillside areas
- Building Code
- Chapter 7A fire-resistant construction
- Roofing
- Class A fire-rated required
- Defensible Space
- 100 feet mandatory
- Recent Fire
- Thomas Fire 2017 impacted area
Summary
Portions of Fillmore, particularly areas adjacent to the hills north of town, fall within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) or State Responsibility Areas (SRA). These zones require enhanced building standards, 100-foot defensible space, and fire-resistant construction materials.
What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones? The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate High Very High The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Document (PDF) FAQ Document (PDF) (Spanish) Examples of FHSZ State Minimum Mitigation Requirements Explore Fire Hazard Severity Zones
The Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps are developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior. Many factors are considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel (natural vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for the area. There are three levels of hazard in the State Responsibility Areas: moderate, high, and very high. Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps evaluate "hazard," not "risk". They are like flood zone maps, where lands are described in terms of the probability level of a particular area being inundated by floodwaters, and not specifically prescriptive of impacts.
Full Breakdown
CalFire designates fire hazard severity zones affecting Fillmore, especially in hillside areas bordering Los Padres National Forest and the Sespe Wilderness to the north. Properties in VHFHSZ or SRA zones must meet California Building Code Chapter 7A requirements including Class A fire-rated roofing, ignition-resistant exterior walls, enclosed eaves, tempered/dual-pane windows, and ember-resistant vents. New construction and substantial remodels in these zones require a fire protection plan. Defensible space of 100 feet is mandatory per PRC §4291. CalFire and Ventura County Fire jointly manage fire protection in these areas. The Thomas Fire (2017) and subsequent floods significantly impacted the Fillmore area, demonstrating the critical nature of wildfire preparedness.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance with Chapter 7A building standards in fire zones results in permit denial for new construction. Existing properties may be cited during wildfire safety inspections. Failure to maintain defensible space carries fines up to $500 per PRC §4291.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Fillmore property in a wildfire zone?
What building requirements exist in Fillmore wildfire zones?
How did the Thomas Fire affect Fillmore?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fillmore
California rules heatmap·Compare Fillmore to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Wildfire Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle wildfire zones.