With streaks of yellow, orange and red, Cal Fire’s new fire risk maps make plain the extent of fire danger in the Bay Area. The origin of the maps date back to one of the first major wildfires to burn into neighborhoods in the state: the 1980 Panorama Fire in San Bernardino County.

For the first time in more than a decade, Cal Fire is reassessing wildfire risk in Bay Area cities. New fire hazard severity maps show dramatic increases in some areas of Sonoma and Napa counties and around San Jose. In Contra Costa County, the fire hazard severity level decreased for some but increased for others.

The map reveals some areas entered the "very high risk" category. That means homeowners in those zones will now have to follow more fire-prepared guidelines set by Cal Fire, such as ensuring enough defensible space.