FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – CAL FIRE has rolled out an updated map of the state's Fire Hazard Severity Zones. This map identifies areas at risk for wildfires, categorized into "moderate, high, and very high" fire zones. Across Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties, there are more than 1 50-thousand acres in these three zones. The last CAL FIRE hazard severity map was released 14 years ago, and much has changed.  CAL FIRE Chief Daniel Berlant explains that these maps are designed to last between 30 to 50 years. So, why do we need an updated one so soon? "A lot has changed in our climate. We're seeing hotter temperatures, more extreme weather events," Berlant said. Two of the three zones are new to the map. In 2011, CAL FIRE only released areas in the highest risk. "The map is primarily a planning tool we make available for local cities and counties to help them as they make decisions of where they put in new subdivisions of homes, new neighborhoods, new communities" Berlant said. From 2011 to 2025, the "very high" fire zone has grown by nearly 400,000 acres, now totaling over 1.1 million acres within the state. "The factors we use to create this map include terrain, vegetation type, weather conditions, past fire history. All of this to let us know what's the likelihood and then what is the expected fire behavior," Berlant added. Most of the Central Valley lies in the "moderate" and "high" fire zones, mostly, the unincorporated areas. However, in Tulare County, more than 480 acres are in the "very high" fire zone, located near Kings Canyon National Park and Lemon Cove. CAL FIRE says there is no longer a fire season, but rather a fire year. This makes it crucial to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your property year-round. "Reducing the number of trees per acre, removing a lot of other fuels from that area you're responsible for can slow fires down if there is a forest fire that's burning towards your property," said Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig. As Chief Berlant mentioned, these models are supposed to last up to 50 years. However, he said they will revisit this in five years, because the climate is changing faster than ever before, and they are constantly looking for new ways to utilize science and technology. ...read more read less