New state maps have designated over 2.3 million acres of land in California as facing “high” or “very high” wildfire risks, reflecting both escalating wildfire severity and updated scientific data. This follows devastating fires in Los Angeles County, with the Fire Marshal’s office gradually releasing updated maps for local areas after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order last week. Previous maps were created between 2007 and 2011. These new designations, categorized as “high” or “very high,” will be subject to the state’s strictest standards for fire-resistant buildings.

California’s fire hazards have intensified due to climate-driven droughts and an extended, more dangerous wildfire season.

“We are living in a new reality of extremes. Believe the science – and your own damn eyes: Mother Nature is changing the way we live and we must continue adapting to those changes,” Newsom said in a press release about the order. “California’s resilience means we will keep updating our standards in the most fire-prone areas.”

In 2007, 800,000 acres were designated as “very high” hazard, the only category at that time. The new maps now show 1.16 million acres as “high” and an additional 247,000 acres as “very high.” Officials are unable to estimate what percentage of total acreage these numbers represent until local authorities review and approve the maps. The maps released this week cover inland Northern California counties, including Butte, El Dorado, and Plumas, with others to follow over the next six weeks.

In some areas, the recategorization is significant. For instance, Lake County went from just five acres of “very high” hazard land in 2011 to 10,881 acres in the latest map. Yreka’s hazardous acreage increased from 723 to 2,613 acres, while Chico’s rose to nearly 3,000 acres from just 117. Grass Valley’s hazardous acreage doubled, and Clearlake’s nearly tripled.

However, some areas, such as Placerville and Redding, saw a decrease in the highest hazard category.

While local fire severity maps were outdated, the hazard maps for the 31 million acres under Cal Fire’s responsibility were updated last year. In 2021, the legislature required the adoption of three severity categories for local responsibility areas: very high, high, and moderate.

State officials will notify 404 cities and counties about the designation changes on a regional schedule, with new maps set to be released in February and March. Once released, local officials will have four months to incorporate the new hazard ratings.

Additionally, Newsom’s order mandates the adoption of regulations for a five-foot ember-resistant zone around structures in the highest severity fire zones. These regulations aim to prevent fires from spreading through wind-blown embers. The new regulations will apply immediately to new construction but will be phased in over three years for existing homes.

Fires this year have been notably active, with nearly 58,000 acres burned so far, far surpassing the five-year average. Tragically, 29 people have died in fires since January, and officials warn this trend may continue throughout the year. “This is what 2025 is going to look like, unfortunately,” said Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “I need everybody to be prepared.”