Public Comment Period Now Open for Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Siskiyou County

FREQUENTLY ASKED 2024 QUESTIONS ABOUT :
Fire Hazard Severity Zones

The County of Siskiyou is inviting the public to review and comment on the proposed Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) within its jurisdiction. These zones, classified as moderate, high, or very high, are crucial for understanding and mitigating fire risks in our community. Public comments help ensure that the FHSZ designations accurately reflect local conditions and concerns, leading to better fire prevention and protection strategies. The comment period is open until April 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST, and your input is essential in shaping the final designations.

Background:
In accordance with California Government Code Section 51178, the State Fire Marshal identifies Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) across the state. These zones are based on factors such as fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other elements that influence fire behavior and spread. Siskiyou County, as a Local Responsibility Area (LRA), is responsible for wildfire protection within its jurisdiction.

On February 10, 2025, Siskiyou County received notice from the State Fire Marshal regarding the identified FHSZ within the county. As required by law, the county must now make this information available for public review and comment. Additionally, the county must designate these zones by ordinance, with the option to increase the severity designation if necessary, but cannot reduce it below the state’s classification.

Public Comment Process:
The public is encouraged to review the proposed FHSZ and provide comments by April 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. Comments can be submitted via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Mail:
  Siskiyou County Administration
  ATTN: FHSZ Comment Period
  1312 Fairlane Road, Suite 1
  Yreka, CA 96097

When submitting comments, please include:

• Your name and contact information
• Business affiliation (if applicable)
• Specific details if your comment pertains to a particular area
  (e.g., address, data points, map image)
• Justification if you are suggesting an increase in the FHSZ designation

General comments on the FHSZ within Siskiyou County’s jurisdiction are also welcome.

Important Notes:

• The county may choose to increase the FHSZ designation but cannot reduce it below the state’s classification.
• If increasing to a Very High designation, the county must provide substantial evidence supporting the need for enhanced fire protection measures.

Questions:
For any questions regarding the FHSZ or the comment process, please contact:

• Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
• Phone: Elizabeth Nielsen, Deputy County Administrator, (530) 842-8012

Your participation in this process is vital to ensuring that the Fire Hazard Severity Zones accurately reflect the fire risks in Siskiyou County. We encourage all residents and stakeholders to review the proposed zones and submit their comments by the deadline.

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