Tehama County, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

While Tehama County's Sacramento Valley floor (Red Bluff, Corning, Los Molinos, Gerber) is lower hazard, the eastern Cascade foothills and the western Coast Range carry real wildfire risk — the 2021 Dixie Fire reached into Tehama County. CAL FIRE classifies Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) under California Government Code sections 51178–51179, releasing updated maps that took effect for the State Responsibility Area beginning April 1, 2024 and recommended Local Responsibility Area zones in March 2025. Properties in a Very High (or High) FHSZ face several requirements: (1) 100 feet of defensible space under Public Resources Code section 4291 organized in Zones 0/1/2; (2) for new construction and major remodels in High/Very High zones, ignition-resistant building standards under California Building Code Chapter 7A (Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, enclosed eaves, dual-pane/tempered windows, and noncombustible near-structure surfaces); and (3) natural-hazard disclosure to buyers when the property is sold. CAL FIRE inspects defensible space in the State Responsibility Area. Residents can confirm their property's zone with CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer or by contacting Tehama County / their local fire agency.