Defensible Space

Defensible space 

Defensible space is crucial for your home's wildfire safety. It's the buffer zone you create between your property and the surrounding wildland area. This space is key to slowing or stopping wildfire spread and protecting your home from embers, flames, or heat. It also gives firefighters a safer area to defend your property. 

Links

Defensible space information

CAL FIRE - Ready for Wildfire

Napa Firewise

 

Weed Abatement

The goal of the Calistoga Fire Department's Weed Abatement Program is to identify hazards and work cooperatively with landowners to minimize these risks. You as a property owner may be unaware of Calistoga Municipal Code Violation Sections, 8.24.020 which requires that all properties be kept free of excessive vegetative growth, and Weeds Section, 12.12.010, which requires that you remove all tall grass, brush and weeds from the property. At the beginning of the fire season and throughout the summer months, all homeowners are required to take measures to save their homes from wildland fires, as the potential for grass fires can cause property damage and the threat of residents losing their home.

 

Fire severity maps 

 The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has released updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Area’s (LRA) across the state. These map updates are intended to enhance California’s approach to wildfire preparedness. 

The revised maps incorporate 1.4 million additional acres into high and very high fire hazard severity zones statewide, updating planning and building requirements for communities most at risk. This update aligns with the City of Calistoga’s ongoing commitment to public safety, wildfire mitigation, and resilient development. 

What This Means for Calistoga

Under Title 14 of the Natural Resources Code, OSFM is required to periodically update fire hazard severity zone maps. Local governments, including The City of Calistoga, must adopt and enforce these updates when changes affect areas designated as LRA fire hazard severity zones. 

The Calistoga City Council has adopted these new maps to meet OSFM guidelines. These updated regulations apply to the areas within Calistoga city limits.

Below is a breakdown of what each zone means for developers and/or residents:

Moderate FHSZ

• Disclosure of the FHSZ classification required at time of sale

High FHSZ

• New construction will be required to adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Chapter 7-A standards of the California Building Code (effective January 1, 2026)
• Disclosure of the FHSZ classification required at time of sale

Very High FHSZ

• Increased CEQA review requirements for projects
• New subdivisions to be designed with multiple evacuation routes to ensure safe egress during a wildfire
• Subdivisions in very high FHSZ may need to include built-in fuel breaks to slow the spread of a wildfire. 
• Subdivisions in very high FHSZ must include provisions for defensible space, requiring vegetation clearance within a specific distance of structures. 
• New construction and renovations in designated zones must adhere to WUI Chapter 7-A standards of the California Building Code. 
• Homeowners in very high FHSZ must maintain defensible space around their homes, requiring clearing/maintaining of vegetation within a 100-foot radius (or to the property line). 
• Disclosure of the FHSZ classification required at time of sale

FAQ's - Factsheet:

Fire Hazard Severity Zones - Local Responsibility Area