The Carlsbad Fire Department relies on a partnership with the community to keep the city safe from wildfire. Our Community Risk Reduction Bureau takes a proactive approach to mitigate hazards within the City of Carlsbad, with our Fire & Life Safety Division conducting annual inspections on privately owned open space, working with homeowners' associations on property maintenance and informing residents about the importance of wildfire prevention.

For more information or to schedule an in-person or virtual presentation, contact the City of Carlsbad Wildfire Risk Mitigation Specialist via email at wildfiremitigation@carlsbadca.gov or by phone at 442-339-2669. 

Enhancing Fire Detection in Carlsbad

ALERTCalifornia is a statewide network of more than 1,100 high-definition cameras that support early wildfire detection and provide real-time situational awareness during emergencies. A new camera was installed in the La Costa Ridge community, providing real-time visibility to help detect wildfires early, improve response times and support coordination during incidents. With cameras now in place in Carlsbad and neighboring communities, coverage continues to expand across North County—using advanced technology to monitor, assess and better understand wildfire conditions.

Watch the live feed:

• La Costa 1
• La Costa 2

This project reflects the City of Carlsbad’s ongoing commitment to wildfire preparedness and public safety. 

For more information, visit www.alertcalifornia.org.

Fire Hazard Severity Zones

In 2025, CAL FIRE updated the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas, including Carlsbad. This is the first update since 2007 and reflects current science and data on wildfire risk.

The updated maps now show moderate, high and very high fire hazard severity zones, providing a more complete picture of wildfire risk across the city.

Fire hazard severity zones identify areas based on wildfire risk using a model that considers:

• Vegetation and fuel conditions
• Terrain and slope
• Weather and wind patterns
• Historical fire activity

These zones also account for the risk of flames and embers spreading from nearby wildlands and urban vegetation.

For more information on how the maps were developed, visit the State Fire Marshal’s website.

Is your property in a Fire Hazard Zone?

How to use this map:

• Search for an address: Click the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner and enter an address to identify a property’s fire hazard severity zone.
• Compare hazard zones: Use the slider on the left to toggle across hazard zones and see what's changed. Slide right to view 2007 zones and left to view 2025 zones.

Potential impacts on property owners

Fire Hazard Severity Zones are used to determine where defensible space standards and wildfire-resistant building codes apply. Requirements vary based on the hazard level assigned to each property.

Requirements by Zone

Very High

• New buildings must maintain 100 feet of defensible space
• New construction must meet ignition-resistant building standards (Chapter 5, 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code)
• Hazard Disclosure is required at the time of property sale

High

• New construction must meet ignition-resistant building standards (Chapter 5, 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code))
• Hazard Disclosure is required at the time of property sale
• Defensible space requirements do not currently apply

Moderate

• There are currently no additional requirements

Request a Hazard Disclosure Inspection

California Civil Code 1102.19 requires the seller of a property located in a Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to provide documentation showing the property complies with wildfire protection standards outlined in state and local vegetation management requirements.

This inspection and documentation requirement applies to homes located within Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

If your property requires an inspection: 

• Complete Hazard Disclosure Inspection Request Form and submit to firepreventionpublic@carlsbadca.gov
• Staff will contact you to schedule the inspection.
• A fee of $180 will be charged at the time of scheduling. Full payment is required before the inspection.
• Please schedule inspections at least 48 hours in advance.

What to Expect

A Fire Inspector will evaluate your property and provide documentation of compliance based on the City of Carlsbad’s vegetation clearance requirements.

Inspection criteria include: 

• Removing dead or dying portions of trees near or overhanging structures
• Trimming tree branches within 10 feet of chimneys or stovepipes
• Keeping roofs clear of leaves, needles and other debris
• Removing dead or dying vegetation throughout the property

If your property does not pass inspection, you will receive a notice of noncompliance. The inspector will explain the deficiencies and what is needed to meet the required standards.

Follow-up actions may include:

• The seller completes the required vegetation management and obtains a reinspection to receive documentation of compliance before the close of escrow, or
• If compliance is not completed before the sale, the seller and buyer enter into a written agreement stating the buyer will obtain documentation of compliance within one year of the close of escrow

What Else You Can Do

Even if your property is not in a high-risk zone, there are steps you can take to reduce wildfire risk and improve safety for your home and neighborhood.

The Firewise USA® program provides a framework for neighbors to work together to reduce wildfire risk at the local level. Through this voluntary program, communities can organize, take action and improve the ignition resistance of homes and surrounding areas. Communities that meet annual criteria may be recognized as a Firewise Site.

Protecting your property from wildfires

Protect your home from wildfires through these recommended actions:

1. Creating defensible space
2. Hardening your home
   • Install ember-resistant vents and fireproof roofing materials.
   • Ensure windows are dual-paned with tempered glass.
3. Selecting fire-smart plants
   • Plant drought-tolerant and fire-resistant plants.
   • Avoid highly flammable species like junipers and cypress at least 30 feet from the structures.
4. Have an emergency plan
   1. Create a family evacuation plan.
   2. Build an emergency kit.
   3. Stay informed by signing up for emergency notifications.

Additional resources

• Working Together to Minimize Wildfire Risk
• Ember awareness
• Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide
• Ready for Wildfire

Contact

For questions or inquiries contact the City of Carlsbad Wildfire Risk Mitigation Specialist at wildfiremitigation@carlsbadca.gov.

Frequently asked questions