Fire History
Contra Costa County's fire risk is concentrated in its eastern hills and Mount Diablo State Park area. The 2020 SCU Lightning Complex burned along the county's southern Diablo Range boundary. Briones Regional Park and the hills above Orinda, Moraga, and Lafayette have experienced multiple smaller fires. The 1991 Oakland Hills Fire, which started in Alameda County, demonstrated how quickly fire can spread through the East Bay hills in Santa Ana-type wind conditions.
Local Compliance Notes
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) serves most of the county. Communities in the Lamorinda area (Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga), Danville foothills, San Ramon Valley hillsides, and communities along Marsh Creek Road face the most significant Zone Zero obligations. Contact Con Fire or your local fire district for Phase 2 timeline specifics.
Neighborhoods in Zone Zero
High-FHSZ communities in Contra Costa County include Lafayette hills, Orinda, Moraga, Danville eastern foothills, San Ramon Valley hillsides, Walnut Creek hills, Clayton, communities along Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood foothills, and unincorporated areas adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park.
Local FAQs
Do Lamorinda communities (Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga) need to comply with Zone Zero? Yes — these communities are in FHSZ areas given their hillside terrain and proximity to regional park lands. The East Bay hills fire environment means Zone Zero compliance is particularly important. Contact Contra Costa County Fire Protection District for guidance.