Understanding Fire Hazard Maps and the Impact on Real Estate Transactions in Mammoth Lakes

CAL Fire has just released updated fire hazard maps for the Mammoth Lakes area, providing valuable insights into wildfire risks. These maps assess various factors like vegetation, weather patterns, topography, and past fire behavior to determine the level of risk in different areas. The hazard levels are categorized as “Moderate,” “High,” and “Very High,” and you can easily check how your property is rated by entering your address here. 

According to the new maps, Mammoth Lakes now fall under “High” or “Very High” fire hazard zones. This change carries important implications, especially for property owners and buyers. In this article, we’ll focus on how this new rating affects the real estate process, particularly with respect to California Assembly Bill 38 (AB38), which introduces specific disclosure requirements when selling residential properties (1-4 units).

Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Form: A Key Requirement

One of the main aspects of AB38 is the requirement for sellers to provide a Fire Hardening and Defensible Space form. This form, provided by the California Association of Realtors (CAR), helps ensure that properties in high-risk zones have taken appropriate fire prevention and safety measures. Here's a breakdown of what the form entails:

Key Components of the Form
1. Fire Hardening Measures:

• This refers to the structural improvements made to reduce a home’s vulnerability to wildfires. Examples include fire-resistant roofing, tempered glass windows, non-combustible siding, and other fire-resistant materials.
• Sellers must disclose whether their home has undergone any fire-hardening modifications to reduce fire risks.

2. Defensible Space:

• Defensible space is essentially a buffer zone around the home, cleared of flammable vegetation and materials to slow the spread of wildfire. Maintaining defensible space is mandatory in certain areas to help reduce the risk of fire damage.
• The form asks the seller to confirm whether they have complied with the requirement to clear brush, trees, and other combustible materials from their property.

3. Inspection and Certification:

• The form may also ask whether the property has been inspected or certified by local authorities for fire safety. This ensures the home complies with California’s fire safety regulations. Important note: we have currently not located a vendor to perform fire safety inspections in the Mammoth Lakes area.

4. Disclosure Requirements:

• Sellers are required to disclose any known fire safety issues or deficiencies, such as the absence of defensible space or fire-hardening measures. This helps buyers understand the risks and potential costs associated with improving fire safety.

5. Buyer Acknowledgment:

• Buyers must acknowledge that they have been informed about the property’s fire safety status. This step ensures that the buyer is aware of the fire risks and any necessary fire prevention work that might need to be done.

At the Destination Real Estate Team, we’re here to help answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process of buying or selling property in the Mammoth Lakes area. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed as you navigate the real estate market in these high-risk zones. If you’re looking to buy or sell in this area, feel free to reach out to us — we’re here to support you every step of the way!