FIRE DEPARTMENT

MEET THE FIRE CHIEF - PATRICK MOORE

FIRE CHIEF

Patrick Moore

Monterey Fire Department
610 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 646-3900

Patrick Moore is the 14th Monterey Fire Chief since 1890. Chief Moore began his career with the Monterey Fire Department in 1997 as a part-time Fire Inspector. In January 2000, he became a full-time firefighter, launching a career that has spanned nearly three decades of dedication, leadership, and community service. Over the years, he has risen through the Monterey ranks of Firefighter, Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, Division Chief, Assistant Fire Chief and now Fire Chief. He was promoted to Fire Chief January 1, 2026.

Chief Moore leads a fire department that serves the cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Sand City, Naval Postgraduate School, La Mesa Village and Monterey Regional Airport. He is responsible for overall strategic leadership to ensure the department is well positioned to provide the best service to the citizens and visitors of the community. To accomplish this, the Chief leads over 100 employees, operating six fire stations, providing a broad range of fire and emergency services to the community.

Chief Moore and his wife are longtime residents of Pacific Grove and have two grown sons. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento, and has been instrumental in advancing the department’s operational readiness, training programs, and community safety initiatives. Contact Chief Moore at pmoore@monterey.gov.

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES

The recent updates to Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in California (see March 13, 2025 City of Monterey news release) provide a more accurate assessment of wildfire risks based on modern climate data and fire modeling. These updates affect both State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), influencing fire prevention measures, building codes, and real estate disclosures. As a Local Responsibility Area, the City of Monterey had 120 days from March 10, 2025 to adopt the states fire hazard severity zones per ordinance (AB 211). The City also sought public input through May 15, 2025. Monterey Fire Department provides services to Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Sand City, Naval Postgraduate School, La Mesa Village, and Monterey Regional Airport.

Adoption of these newest maps for the LRA is required by Legislative Assembly Bill 211 (AB211). The City of Monterey Fire Department (MFD) received these maps on March 10, 2025. The updated regulations will apply to those areas located within the MFD boundaries. The MFD has no influence over downgrading hazard levels, and can only increase them if justified.

Key Takeaways:

FHSZ Classification: Properties are categorized as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on terrain, vegetation, fire history, and climate conditions.
Fire Hazard vs. Risk: The maps indicate hazard potential, not immediate risk, and do not account for mitigation efforts like defensible space or fire-resistant construction.

Impact on Property Owners:
- Homeowners in Very High FHSZ must comply with stringent defensible space and home hardening requirements.
- 100-foot defensible space clearance is mandatory around structures in the Very High FHSZ, in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, and as designated by city ordinance.
- New construction in the Very High FHSZ must adhere to WUI building codes.
- Property sellers must disclose in the High and Very High FHSZ designations during real estate transactions.

Legislative Updates:

Senate Bill 63 (2021) now requires FHSZ classifications to include Moderate and High zones in addition to Very High FHSZ.
Assembly Bill 337 (1992) originally mandated the identification of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones following devastating wildfires.

Mapping & Compliance:

The State Fire Marshal is responsible for updating FHSZ maps, which are used to enforce fire safety standards across the state.
Residents can check their property’s FHSZ status online at: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a9cb66bb1824cd98756812af41292a0.
Know your evacuation zone:
zone: https://monterey.gov/your_city_hall/departments/fire/fire_hazard_severity_zones.php
Local jurisdictions are required to review and adopt the updated maps, ensuring communities are better prepared for wildfire threats.