The state fire marshall says the maps are meant to help cities and counties plan new communities and should not affect the insurance rates of existing homes.

California rolled out a new map of fire hazard severity zones for San Diego County, showing a 26% increase in acres now in a very high hazard zone.

According to Cal Fire data, San Diego County has 157,338 acres with “very high” fire hazard, the highest level of hazard. In 2011, that figure was more than 180,700 acres.