Fire Insurance in the Sierra Foothills and Nevada County – A Crucial Update

Living in the beautiful Sierra Foothills and Nevada County comes with its unique challenges, especially concerning fire insurance. Recently, a crucial event at the Nevada County Association of Realtors , was held to address the ongoing issues with fire insurance in our area. This blog post aims to update current and prospective residents about the key points discussed, the speakers involved, and what actions we can take moving forward.

Before we get into the notes from this informative meeting help June 6th 2024, we want to make clear that Nevada County has the highest number of Firewise Communities in California, a testament to the community’s commitment to fire risk management. In fact, Nevada County has more Firewise Communities than any other county in the United States! A Firewise Community is a neighborhood that has taken proactive steps to reduce the risk of wildfire through various measures such as creating defensible space around homes, using fire-resistant landscaping, and educating residents about fire safety practices. These communities work together to implement strategies that help protect lives and property from the threat of wildfires.

The clear message from this meeting and it’s speakers, is that true fire preparedness comes from the residents themselves.

Key Highlights from the Event

1. Speaker 1: Heidi Hall, Nevada County Supervisor

• Overview of Legislative Efforts: Heidi Hall has been actively lobbying on fire insurance issues, not just with local representatives, but also at the federal level with staffers from the offices of Maxine Waters and Senator Wyden. She expressed concern about the lack of urgency at the federal level.
• Call for Personal Stories: Heidi emphasized the importance of residents sharing their personal experiences with fire insurance. This includes issues like high costs, being dropped from policies, or difficulties in buying or selling homes. These stories are crucial for effective lobbying.
• Legislative Measures: Heidi discussed various legislative efforts, including:
  • Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act: Proposes grants up to $10,000 for disaster mitigation and a 30% tax credit for qualified disaster risk mitigation activities.
  • INSURE Act: Aims to provide comprehensive coverage for all natural disasters and establish a $300 billion grant program for risk reduction.
  • Safe Home Act: Offers a 25% refundable tax credit for home hardening projects.
  • Wildfire Insurance Coverage Study: A study to analyze the availability and issues of wildfire insurance.
• Home Hardening and Risk Reduction: Highlighted the importance of home hardening and vegetation management, which can reduce risk significantly. However, she stressed the need for insurance companies to recognize these efforts and adjust rates accordingly.

2. Speaker 2: Yolanda Cookson, Field Representative for Assemblywoman Megan Dahle

• State-Level Challenges: Yolanda shared that issues with fire insurance have been persistent since 2019, with increasing rates and policy cancellations. Despite this, legislative efforts have been slow.
• Community Strength: She praised Nevada County for its proactive approach and the collaborative efforts of local governments. Nevada County has the highest number of Firewise Communities in California, a testament to the community’s commitment to fire risk management.
• Importance of Advocacy: Yolanda emphasized the importance of residents voicing their concerns and experiences to local and state representatives. She assured that their voices are heard and that ongoing efforts are in place to address these challenges.

3. Speaker 3: Alan Weiss, Weiss Landscaping

• Practical Firewise Landscaping Tips: Alan provided practical advice on creating fire-resistant landscapes while maintaining aesthetics. Key strategies include:
  • Using plants with high moisture content and thick leaves.
  • Maintaining well-irrigated and properly pruned landscapes.
  • Implementing firewise design principles to enhance both safety and beauty.
• Importance of Maintenance: Emphasized that regular maintenance is crucial for fire-resistant landscapes. He provided guidance on managing leaves, operating irrigation systems, and ensuring proper plant spacing.
• Design Solutions: Alan shared creative solutions for integrating firewise principles into landscape design, making properties both safe and attractive.

4. Speaker 4: William Witzke Family Insurance Agency

• Current Insurance Market Trends: The insurance expert discussed the trends and challenges in the current insurance market. The rising costs and decreasing availability of fire insurance are driven by increasing natural disasters globally, affecting reinsurance rates which are then passed on to consumers.
• Insurance Reforms and Recommendations: They emphasized the need for reforms at both state and federal levels, including better risk assessment models and the importance of acknowledging home hardening measures in underwriting practices.
• Community Advocacy: Encouraged residents to actively participate in advocacy efforts by sharing their experiences and supporting legislative changes that aim to stabilize the insurance market and make it more responsive to the actual risk mitigation efforts by homeowners.
• Preparing Your Property: Ensure your home is fire-hardened so that when insurance companies return to the market and offer new policies, your property is ready and compliant so you can get off the California Fair Plan.

5. Speaker 5: CAL FIRE Randy Northrup CAL FIRE Battalion Chief

• Fire Preparedness and Prevention: The CAL FIRE representative provided crucial insights into fire preparedness and prevention strategies.
• Defensible Space Guidelines: Emphasized the importance of creating defensible space around properties:
  • Zone 0 (0-5 feet): Known as the ember-resistant zone, this area should be free of all flammable materials. Use hardscaping like gravel, pavers, or concrete, and avoid wood mulch or combustible plants.
  • Zone 1 (5-30 feet): The lean, clean, and green zone. Plants should be low-growing, well-irrigated, and spaced out to prevent fire from spreading. Keep grass mowed and remove any dead vegetation.
  • Zone 2 (30-100 feet): The reduced fuel zone. Thinning and pruning of trees and shrubs to prevent fire from climbing from the ground into tree canopies. Create separation between trees and shrubs to slow the spread of fire.
• Vegetation Management: Encouraged regular maintenance of vegetation, including removing dead or dry plants, trimming trees, and keeping grass short. Proper maintenance reduces fire risk significantly.
• Firewise Landscaping: Recommended using fire-resistant plants, such as those with high moisture content, thick leaves, and minimal resin or oil. Avoid plants like juniper, which can act as fuel for fires.
• Emergency Preparedness: Stressed the importance of having an evacuation plan, knowing multiple routes out of your area, and keeping emergency supplies ready. Stay informed about local fire conditions and alerts.

Action Steps for Residents

1. Share Your Stories:

• If you’ve faced challenges with fire insurance, share your experiences with local representatives above. Personal stories can help build a compelling case for legislative change.

2. Support Legislative Efforts:

• Advocate for and support the bills that aim to address fire insurance issues. Contact your state and federal representatives to express the urgency of these matters.

3. Implement Home Hardening Measures:

• Invest in home hardening and vegetation management. Utilize resources and guidance from local experts to make your property more fire-resistant.

4. Stay Informed and Engaged:

• Participate in community meetings and stay updated on the latest developments. Being informed and active can help drive collective action.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of fire insurance in the Sierra Foothills and Nevada County is challenging but not insurmountable. By staying informed, sharing our stories, supporting legislative efforts, and taking practical steps to reduce fire risk, we can work towards a safer and more secure community. Let’s continue to advocate for effective solutions and make our voices heard.

This post is written by Erin Newington with EXP Realty. We think of ourselves as your partner in real estate, and it’s our job to keep you informed not only about how beautiful our area is but also about the risks of living in a high fire zone.

Reach out to find out more about moving to the Sierra Foothills in Northern California!