Trilogy Monarch Dunes has been placed into high and very high fire hazard severity zones.

On March 10, 2025, the state fire marshal created maps that incorrectly placed most of Trilogy Monarch Dunes into a high or very high fire hazard severity zone (FHSZ). They based their maps on an incorrect map that included an old eucalyptus forest in much of the subdivision. Streets, houses, golf course, and vineyards are all erroneously labeled as eucalyptus forest. This falsely increases the fire hazard rating. They have refused to provide any evidence supporting the correctness of their fire zone maps.

The state fire marshal says their map used "the best available data at the time". Since all of the wildland was gone in 2017, what "time" are they talking about? They absolutely refuse to discuss this problem. Millions of homeowners across the state, who have never been in a fire zone, have been placed into fire zones with these new maps.
Click to look up your house.

There is no appeal process. The county board of supervisors was forced to adopt these maps "as is" on March 29th. They are unhappy with the situation and made it part of their legislative platform to change state law to obtain local review on these maps. They are also working with CSAC (California State Association of Counties) on this. 22 Minute Video Click Here

Oregon released a similar fire hazard map in 2022. That map led to a huge backlash from property owners. The backlash was so strong that in April 2025, the state Senate voted unanimously to eliminate it. A similar backlash in California hasn't been seen yet, but it's still early. Most people don't even know that the maps exist.

The San Luis Obispo Tribune made this their lead story on May 21, 2025. In the story, the State Fire Marshall admitted that the fire maps were based on outdated data, but they would not update the maps. Link to article.

What does this mean for the homeowner?

Homeowners will have to disclose this information for real estate transfers (Government Code) (Civil Code) (Disclosure Form). They may have to change their landscaping (no plants or mulch within 5 feet of house) (Government Code) (Rulemaking) . The landscape changes are due in 3 years or fines and liens on the property will occur (Government Code) . There are changes to building code requirements (California Building Code). There may be fire insurance ramifications. It will probably reduce the marketability and value of the homes.

What can be done?

Contact your state representatives and request that the law be changed to allow local review of FHSZ maps. If your representative doesn't respond to electronic contact, try to use snail mail or direct contact.
Assemblymember Gregg Hart
Senator Monique Limon