Just got this from Tony Akin of Central Fire:
Wanted to give everybody an update on what’s happening in Sacramento to help us out.
SB 1060. The bill instructs property insurers to implement wildfire risk mitigation plans that must factor in clients insurance cost.
AB 2416. The aim of the bill is to reinforce the "safer from wildfire strategy. The strategy is meant to cover more Californian areas at higher risk of wildfires, including those from WUI regions.
AB 2983 The bill is set to work with the California Insurance Department and the California Office of Emergency Services to determine whether making more investments in mitigation is worthwhile and increases the chances of insurance coverage against wildfires
HR 7849 Qualifying homeowners complying with Wildfire mitigation would receive rewards up to $10,000 plus a tax return for select home and commercial property owners.
The Insurance Department is said to have a bill for evaluations every three years with improved steps to safeguard against fires. If homeowners follow mitigation strategies, they could pay less on their premiums, according to CALMATTERS report.
According to statistics by Headwaters Economics, Californian residents have spent between $18.180 and $27,080 on fire ready home improvements. The exterior wall can cost around $3,510 for fire resistant implementations, $10,240 estimated roof cost, and around $2,500 for wildfire resistant deck materials. Plus, many other property factors, including under-eave area and near home landscaping. California has spent close to $3.7 billion on wildfire damage. This does not include money spent on suppression, air tankers, fire engines, staffing etc. Also, across the country, the Wildland Urban Interface grows approximately 2 million acres per year.
So, we have a long way to go but you are on the right track. Defensible space/home hardening is the way we can save our homes and is completely reachable with community/individual involvement.
Have a Great Day!
Tony
TONY AKIN
Defensible Space Specialist Community Risk Reduction
Office: (831) 685-6698 930 17th Ave
Direct: (831) 316-3804 Santa Cruz Ca.
Fax: (831) 685-6699 95062