Fire History
Marin County has a long wildfire history with significant fires in its heavily forested terrain. The 1945 Cascade and Kent Lake fires were early major events. More recently, the county's eucalyptus-covered hillsides and dry grasslands in Point Reyes and Mount Tamalpais areas face persistent risk. The 2019 Woodacre Fire and multiple smaller events have highlighted the vulnerability of Ross Valley and San Geronimo Valley communities. Marin's proximity to Sonoma County's burn areas underscores regional fire risk.
Local Compliance Notes
Marin County Fire Department and multiple independent fire districts serve the county. Communities in San Geronimo Valley, Woodacre, Forest Knolls, Lagunitas, Nicasio, Fairfax hills, and the Mount Tamalpais area face significant Zone Zero obligations. Given dense tree canopies and combustible landscaping throughout these communities, early compliance assessment is recommended.
Neighborhoods in Zone Zero
High-FHSZ communities in Marin County include San Geronimo Valley, Woodacre, Forest Knolls, Lagunitas, Nicasio, Fairfax hills, San Anselmo hills, Mill Valley hillsides, Tiburon hillsides, Bolinas, Inverness, and communities along the Mount Tamalpais watershed.
Local FAQs
Do communities along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard need to comply with Zone Zero? Yes — San Geronimo Valley, Woodacre, Forest Knolls, and Lagunitas are in FHSZ areas and Zone Zero requirements apply. Contact Marin County Fire or the relevant local fire district for jurisdiction-specific Phase 2 timeline information.