Wildfires are an important issue in our community. The effects of wildfires can be devastating. Below are useful links to wildfire resources for REALTORS® and their clients.
Sonoma: Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention is bringing back its popular Chipper Program for residents who are working to make their properties more wildfire safe through defensible space measures. This program aims to create defensible space, specifically around the home, structures, and access routes to structures, for properties located in the unincorporated area. Learn more about the Learn more about the Chipper Program here. Contact Permit Sonoma directly with any questions at (707) 565-6070, or via email at chipper@sonoma-county.org.
Napa: The Napa County Fire Department (NCFD) provides a free chipping service to all Napa County residents who live in a designated fire hazard zone – meaning most all of rural Napa. The intent of the program is to encourage residents to comply with defensible space requirements of both the State and County, in addition to being Firewise. Here is the County Chipper Program website.
Mendocino: This program is designed to assist neighborhoods in creating and maintaining defensible space around their homes as well as creating and maintaining roadside ingress and egress in their neighborhoods. Here is the Fire Safe Council’s (MCFSC) program website.
Lake: Currently, low-cost Chipper Programs are offered in South Lake County and Hidden Valley Lake. Chipping woody debris helps reduce hazardous vegetation around homes and along access routes. Here is the Fire Safe Lake program website.
With nearly 500,000 California homes worth a combined $268 billion under serious risk from wildfires and the issue growing more acute with each passing year, insurance companies are ramping up prices or outright refusing to renew policies in fire-prone areas.
C.A.R. has created these useful one-pagers that you can share with your clients to help them keep their insurance coverage, learn how to prepare for natural disasters, and learn what to do after a wildfire. Share these materials with your clients to help them navigate these complicated subjects.
State Farm and Allstate have ceased selling new home insurance policies on California properties citing high fire risk and the rapidly rising cost of construction which is outpacing inflation. State Farm and Allstate will continue to insure existing policies.
C.A.R. has been in discussions with both the Insurance Industry representatives and the Department of Insurance on State Farm and Allstate’s move and other homeowner insurance issues. They have also created a FAQ page on State Farm’s and Allstate’s decision.
Consumers are also encouraged to review and contact the California Department of Insurance. This site provides several information guides, tips and tools to help consumers understand home/residential insurance so that they can make the best decision for their situation. Consumers can also call the CA Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline for assistance. This is a high priority issue, and all parties are working hard to find solutions and bring viable and affordable insurance options to homeowners in California. As the situation progresses, we will continue to provide updates.
