What must I disclose when selling a home in a fire hazard zone?
If the home is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, the seller must give the buyer proof that the property meets the defensible space law. If that proof isn't available by close of escrow, the buyer signs an agreement to get it within one year. Start by checking the zone and booking your fire department's inspection.
The hazard zone, the department that inspects, past fires nearby and every rule that applies to your home.
Before you list
- Check the zone
- Run the fire check for the address. It names the zone, the department that inspects and its clearance distance.
- Book the inspection
- Ask the fire department for a defensible space inspection. The Orange County Fire Authority runs inspections for homes being sold in its area.
- Do the work first
- Clearing brush and the first 5 ft before listing helps the inspection, and the same work counts toward Safer from Wildfires insurance discounts for the buyer.
For realtors
Buyers now ask about fire risk early. A fire check for each listing answers the zone, the inspecting department, past fires nearby and the rules that apply, with sources a buyer can follow.
Sources
- Orange County Fire Authority, defensible space inspections for home sales (Civil Code 1102.19), read November 9, 2026
General information, not legal advice. Your fire department and city have the final word for your property.
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