New Berkeley Fire Maps and EMBER Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know
Berkeley is no stranger to wildfire risk. As climate conditions intensify and fire seasons grow longer, the City of Berkeley and the State of California are taking action to reduce fire danger and protect our communities. In 2024, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) released updated fire hazard severity zone maps, and many areas in Berkeley—especially in the Berkeley Hills and other wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones—are now officially designated as High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (HFHSZ). If you’re a homeowner in Berkeley, this update could directly affect you. Here’s what you need to know. 
What Are the New Fire Hazard Maps? The updated maps are based on the latest science and fire behavior modeling, taking into account vegetation, slope, wind patterns, and historic fire data. These maps identify which areas are at elevated risk for wildfires and help local governments guide planning, building codes, and emergency preparedness. 
Check if your home is in a High Fire Zone using CAL FIRE’s mapping tool: Fire Hazard Severity Zones Once on the site, zoom into Alameda County and type in your Berkeley address to see your fire zone designation. 
What Are EMBER Requirements? If your property is within a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, you may now be subject to EMBER regulations — short for Exterior Materials and Built Environment Requirements. EMBER is a set of building standards designed to make homes and structures more resilient to wildfire by reducing the risk of ignition from wind-driven embers, which are a leading cause of home destruction in wildfires. Key EMBER requirements may include:
Learn more about EMBER regulations here: www.berkeleyfiresafe.org 
Why This Matters These regulations aren’t just red tape — they’re lifesaving measures. In past California wildfires, homes that followed ember-resistant guidelines were much more likely to survive. By understanding and complying with EMBER, you’re not only protecting your property but helping create a more resilient neighborhood. Additionally, insurance companies are increasingly taking fire zone designations and ember protections into account. Staying informed could help you avoid coverage gaps or premium hikes. 
What You Can Do Now
Stay Connected The wildfire landscape is changing, and so are the rules that keep us safe. We’re here to help you stay informed, prepared, and empowered. Bookmark this page, share it with your neighbors, and sign up for city alerts and fire safety updates. Together, we can build a safer, more fire-resilient Berkeley.
What Are the New Fire Hazard Maps? The updated maps are based on the latest science and fire behavior modeling, taking into account vegetation, slope, wind patterns, and historic fire data. These maps identify which areas are at elevated risk for wildfires and help local governments guide planning, building codes, and emergency preparedness. Check if your home is in a High Fire Zone using CAL FIRE’s mapping tool: Fire Hazard Severity Zones Once on the site, zoom into Alameda County and type in your Berkeley address to see your fire zone designation. What Are EMBER Requirements? If your property is within a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, you may now be subject to EMBER regulations — short for Exterior Materials and Built Environment Requirements. EMBER is a set of building standards designed to make homes and structures more resilient to wildfire by reducing the risk of ignition from wind-driven embers, which are a leading cause of home destruction in wildfires. Key EMBER requirements may include:
- Fire-resistant roofing and siding materials
- Ember-resistant vents
- Defensible space and vegetation clearance
- Decking and fencing made of noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials
- Spark arresters and screens on chimneys
Learn more about EMBER regulations here: www.berkeleyfiresafe.org Why This Matters These regulations aren’t just red tape — they’re lifesaving measures. In past California wildfires, homes that followed ember-resistant guidelines were much more likely to survive. By understanding and complying with EMBER, you’re not only protecting your property but helping create a more resilient neighborhood. Additionally, insurance companies are increasingly taking fire zone designations and ember protections into account. Staying informed could help you avoid coverage gaps or premium hikes. What You Can Do Now
- Check Your Address on the Fire Hazard Map - Use the CAL FIRE map tool to see if you’re in a high fire zone.
- Understand EMBER Requirements - Review what’s required for your home at www.berkeleyfiresafe.org.
- Get a Home Assessment - Consider requesting a wildfire risk assessment from the Berkeley Fire Department or a certified home hardening expert.
- Start Planning for Compliance
Stay Connected The wildfire landscape is changing, and so are the rules that keep us safe. We’re here to help you stay informed, prepared, and empowered. Bookmark this page, share it with your neighbors, and sign up for city alerts and fire safety updates. Together, we can build a safer, more fire-resilient Berkeley.
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