With fires burning again, is California becoming uninsurable?
6 months ago

With fires burning again, is California becoming uninsurable?

LA Times  

Thursday marks the beginning of summer, but early wildfires have already scorched the outskirts of L.A. and the Bay Area. While the giant wildfires of 2017 and 2018 had a huge impact, requiring insurers to pay claims equivalent to more than 20 years of profits, the state’s insurance problems predate the fires. California’s failure to update the old rules governing insurance rates have long prevented insurers from preparing for a hotter, drier future. California is the only state in the country that requires property insurers to project future wildfire losses based on average wildfire losses over the last 20 years, regardless of where they plan to do business. His Sustainable Insurance Strategy would update California’s rate regulations and approval process while requiring insurers to make commitments to cover high-risk areas.

Insurance Regulations Companies State Plan Fair Rates Californians Insurers Fires Insurance Companies Ricardo Lara California Homeowners Insurance Rates Jamie Court Rex Frazier  california  homeowners  state  burning  rates  uninsurable  fair  insurance  fires  insurers  companies  plan  regulations

History of this topic

California issues landmark rules to improve home insurance market
1 week, 3 days ago

California issues landmark rules to improve home insurance market

LA Times  

Flames engulf a home on Old Coach Drive in Camarillo during the Mountain fire in November. The regulations that take effect Jan. 2 arose out of a broad agreement Lara reached with the industry that gave insurers regulatory concessions, including the use of the computer models, in exchange for a commitment by large insurers such as State Farm, Farmers and …

Firefighters gain control over California wildfire, 100 structures destroyed
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

Firefighters gain control over California wildfire, 100 structures destroyed

India Today  

Southern California firefighters gained ground Saturday on a wildfire that has ravaged more than 100 structures as gusty winds subsided with favourable weather conditions expected through the weekend. Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County, where the Mountain Fire held at around 32 square miles and was 21 per cent contained, authorities said. …

Firefighters advance on destructive blaze in California, aided by slower winds
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Firefighters advance on destructive blaze in California, aided by slower winds

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Southern California firefighters gained ground Saturday on a wildfire that has ravaged more than 100 structures as gusty winds subsided with favorable weather conditions expected through the weekend. Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County, where the Mountain Fire held at around 32 square miles and was 21% contained, authorities …

California wildfires destroy more than 130 homes as governor declares state of emergency
1 month, 2 weeks ago

California wildfires destroy more than 130 homes as governor declares state of emergency

ABC  

More than 130 homes are now known to have been destroyed by a raging wildfire burning outside Los Angeles, as a break in the weather on Friday gave firefighters a chance to tame the blaze. Threat to critical infrastructure Authorities said on Thursday that initial inspections revealed at least 132 homes had been lost, with 88 others damaged. Gusts of …

Over 130 homes lost in California wildfire: officials
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Over 130 homes lost in California wildfire: officials

Deccan Chronicle  

CAMARILLO:More than 130 homes are now known to have been destroyed by a raging wildfire burning outside Los Angeles, as a break in the weather Friday gave firefighters a chance to tame the blaze. - 'Threat to critical infrastructure - ====================================== Authorities said Thursday that initial inspections revealed at least 132 homes had been lost, with 88 more damaged. The …

California wildfire burns out of control but firefighters could get a break when winds diminish
1 month, 2 weeks ago

California wildfire burns out of control but firefighters could get a break when winds diminish

Deccan Chronicle  

CAMARILLO: A wildfire northwest of Los Angeles burned out of control for a second day Thursday after destroying dozens of homes, but officials said firefighters could get a break with fierce winds expected to subside by evening. County fire officials said crews working in steep terrain with support from water-dropping helicopters were focusing on protecting homes on hillsides along the …

A wildfire fueled by strong winds has devastated Southern California, thousands evacuated
1 month, 2 weeks ago

A wildfire fueled by strong winds has devastated Southern California, thousands evacuated

Hindustan Times  

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds was tearing through a community northwest of Los Angeles for a second day Thursday after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee when it exploded in size in only a few hours. Red Flag warnings issued as SoCal braces for ‘extreme and life-threatening’ fire behaviour Officials in several Southern …

Strong winds fuel rapid spread of wildfires in Southern California
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Strong winds fuel rapid spread of wildfires in Southern California

NPR  

Strong winds fuel rapid spread of wildfires in Southern California toggle caption Noah Berger/AP CAMARILLO, Calif. — A Southern California wildfire has destroyed 132 structures, mostly homes, in less than two days, fire officials said Thursday as raging winds were forecast to ease. Sponsor Message Some 10,000 people remained under evacuation orders Thursday as the Mountain Fire continued to threaten …

California wildfires are spreading and intensifying faster, putting more people in danger
1 month, 3 weeks ago

California wildfires are spreading and intensifying faster, putting more people in danger

LA Times  

San Bernardino County firefighters work to save a home in Wrightwood as they battle the Bridge Fire in September. A new paper in the journal Science puts that sentiment to the test, with startling findings: California fires spread almost four times faster in 2020 than they had in 2001. “People are pretty good at putting out all fires,” said Park …

Wildfires are coming to the Southeast. Can landowners mitigate the risk in time?
2 months ago

Wildfires are coming to the Southeast. Can landowners mitigate the risk in time?

Salon  

Courtney Steed often burns barefoot. “You have these dynamics playing out in the region, then you throw in changes in climate and potentially warmer and drier conditions,” Donovan said, “and you set yourself up for more destructive wildfires.” Such dynamics played out in April, 2023, when a blaze in North Carolina’s Croatan National Forest jumped from 7,000 acres to 32,000 …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 1 week ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-09-11 09:21 Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line …

Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse
3 months, 1 week ago

Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse

LA Times  

For the first time in years, Southern California has found itself once again besieged by wildfire. “The odds definitely favor a continuation — and maybe even an escalation — of Southern California fire season over the next couple of months,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA. “Normally what’s the most damaging and destructive time of the year for …

Southern California wildfires worsen firefighter shortage as West explodes
3 months, 1 week ago

Southern California wildfires worsen firefighter shortage as West explodes

LA Times  

Firefighters battling wildfires burning in Southern California are stretched thin amid a nationwide shortage of firefighters, aircraft and contractors. On Wednesday, more than 400 personnel, seven helicopters and four large air tankers were assigned to the Bridge fire, said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team. Chris Cline, division chief with the Oregon Department of …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 1 week ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line Fire, had scorched at least …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 1 week ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-09-11 09:21 Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 1 week ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line Fire, had scorched at least …

Firefighters significantly tame California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record
4 months ago

Firefighters significantly tame California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record

Associated Press  

CHICO, Calif. — California’s largest wildfire this year has been significantly tamed as the state’s initially fierce fire season has, at least temporarily, fallen into a relative calm. The Park Fire was 53% contained Monday after scorching nearly 671 square miles in several northern counties, destroying 637 structures and damaging 49 as it became the state’s fourth-largest wildfire on record. …

Controversial bill to abolish California fire hazard rankings dies in Legislature
4 months ago

Controversial bill to abolish California fire hazard rankings dies in Legislature

LA Times  

A bill that sought to overhaul California’s system for wildfire hazard mapping has died in the state Assembly. Senate Bill 610, introduced in June by Sen. Scott Wiener, sparked heated debate over its plan to eliminate the decades-old system of ranking state and local lands as “moderate,” “high” or “very high” fire hazard severity zones — designations that influence development …

California bill would abolish state fire hazard rankings; ‘true insanity,’ critics say
4 months, 1 week ago

California bill would abolish state fire hazard rankings; ‘true insanity,’ critics say

LA Times  

A legislative proposal to overhaul California’s decades-old wildfire mapping system is generating intense debate, with critics saying it threatens to fundamentally reshape the state’s fire and housing policies and increase development in fire-prone areas. Senate Bill 610 seeks to repeal current rules that classify state and local lands into “moderate,” “high” and “very high” fire hazard severity zones — a …

California wildfires off to explosive start, burning 30 times as many acres as all of last year
4 months, 3 weeks ago

California wildfires off to explosive start, burning 30 times as many acres as all of last year

LA Times  

Laguna Beach firefighter Brian Adams keeps a close eye on fast-moving flames as dozens of firefighters manage the southeastern flank of the Borel fire near the community of Twin Oaks in Kern County. In 2022, 7,477 wildfires burned 331,358 acres, according to Cal Fire data. The fifth-largest wildfire in the state’s history, it has scorched almost 390,000 acres and remains …

Is this the solution to California’s soaring insurance prices due to wildfire risk?
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Is this the solution to California’s soaring insurance prices due to wildfire risk?

LA Times  

In the past several years, homeowners across the state have been either burdened with extremely high insurance premiums or have struggled to find coverage at all. Earlier this month State Farm’s cancellations of 30,000 homeowner policies mostly in high wildfire risk areas, took effect. She is one of the many California homeowners struggling to maintain home insurance as costs increase …

California’s wildfires are burning far more land so far this year than in 2023
5 months, 1 week ago

California’s wildfires are burning far more land so far this year than in 2023

NPR  

California’s wildfires are burning far more land so far this year than in 2023 toggle caption Eric Thayer/AP So far in this year’s California’s wildfire season, about 20 times more acres of land have burned than around this time last year. “We are not just in a fire season, but we are in a fire year,” Joe Tyler, director of …

California reports first wildfire death of the 2024 season as fires persist across the West
5 months, 1 week ago

California reports first wildfire death of the 2024 season as fires persist across the West

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — Wildfires fueled by strong winds and an extended heat wave have led to the first death in California of the 2024 season, while wind-whipped flames in Arizona have forced hundreds to flee from what tribal leaders are calling the “most serious” wildfire on their reservation in decades. California’s first death of the fire season was reported after …

‘A fire year’: California wildfires have burned more than 20 times as much land as last year
5 months, 1 week ago

‘A fire year’: California wildfires have burned more than 20 times as much land as last year

LA Times  

After a wet winter and hot summer, this year’s fire season is off to a fierce start. “With the hotter weather and the wind events,” Acuna said, “all of those added together for a much faster moving, much more vigorous fire season.” This week, the Mina fire in the northwestern part of the state may have claimed California’s first wildfire-related …

Opinion: Wildfire smoke kills thousands of Californians a year. It doesn’t have to be so deadly
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Opinion: Wildfire smoke kills thousands of Californians a year. It doesn’t have to be so deadly

LA Times  

When wildfires rage, the immediate threat is obvious — but smoke from the fires actually kills far more people than the flames do. As fires become more frequent, smoke is leading to a public health crisis, likely contributing to more than 52,000 premature deaths across California from 2008 to 2018, we recently found. In years with lots of fire activity …

California wildfires have already burned 90,000 acres, and summer is just beginning
6 months ago

California wildfires have already burned 90,000 acres, and summer is just beginning

LA Times  

California’s summer is off to a fiery start after an explosion of wildfire activity across the state this week, with blazes stretching firefighting resources thin, forcing evacuations and scorching several homes, businesses and bone-dry hillsides. Perilous weather conditions in the last days of spring before Thursday — strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures — fueled flames from Los Angeles …

California braces for heavy wildfire activity this fall: ‘They’re only going to get worse’
6 months ago

California braces for heavy wildfire activity this fall: ‘They’re only going to get worse’

LA Times  

Experts are warning Californians to brace for a ‘very active’ wildfire season this fall as two back-to-back wet winters and forecasts for a warmer-than-normal summer are likely to prime the state’s landscape for fire. “The bad news is that I think that the back half of this season is going to be much more active — with a lot more …

‘The situation is ripe’: California thrust into fire season amid gusty winds, low humidity
6 months ago

‘The situation is ripe’: California thrust into fire season amid gusty winds, low humidity

LA Times  

Crews across California were battling a growing number of significant wildfires on Tuesday — including the 15,000-acre Post fire in Los Angeles County — and facing another day of gusty winds and low humidity that can easily spread flames onto tinder-dry fuel. “The situation is ripe for these brush fires,” said Jonathan Torres, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County …

Growing wildfire risk leaves states grappling with how to keep property insurers from fleeing
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Growing wildfire risk leaves states grappling with how to keep property insurers from fleeing

Associated Press  

BOISE, Idaho — Months after a catastrophic fire burned more than 2,200 homes in Hawaii, some property owners are getting more bad news — their property insurance won’t be renewed because their insurance company has deemed the risk too high. “I think most of the insurers, you know, I’m very grateful that they’re committed to the Hawaii market, so we …

State Farm is NOT there: California's largest insurer will discontinue coverage of 72,000 homes in the state over inflation and risk of CATASTROPHES like wildfires and floods
9 months ago

State Farm is NOT there: California's largest insurer will discontinue coverage of 72,000 homes in the state over inflation and risk of CATASTROPHES like wildfires and floods

Daily Mail  

California's largest insurance company will stop offering insurance to 72,000 homes across the state due to the increased risk of natural disasters and the effects of inflation. State Farm General cited soaring costs, the increasing risk of catastrophes like wildfires and outdated regulations as reasons it won´t renew the policies. State Farm will discontinue coverage for 72,000 houses and apartments …

As climate hazards converge, more Californians are living in harm’s way
10 months, 2 weeks ago

As climate hazards converge, more Californians are living in harm’s way

LA Times  

State health officials know that extreme heat can cost lives and send people to the hospital, just like wildfire smoke. Explore the section In a study published Friday in the journal Science Advances, researchers determined that wildfire smoke and extreme heat together create a previously unrecognized “synergistic effect” or additional burden on people’s health — raising their risk of hospitalization …

Has California addressed the failures that led to the deadly Camp fire five years ago?
1 year, 1 month ago

Has California addressed the failures that led to the deadly Camp fire five years ago?

LA Times  

Five years ago today, around 6:15 a.m., a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. transmission line in the Sierra Nevada foothills malfunctioned. “There are still some lessons that people can take away from an absolute worst-case scenario, where you have no hope of either fighting the fire or evacuating everyone at the same time,” said Jim Broshears, who was Paradise’s emergency …

California wildfire puts 1,300 homes at risk as Santa Ana winds whip flames
1 year, 1 month ago

California wildfire puts 1,300 homes at risk as Santa Ana winds whip flames

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Highland Fire started around 12.30pm on Monday in Aguanga, a tiny town located in a rural, hilly area …

Is California’s wildfire season finally over? Don’t bet on it, experts say
1 year, 2 months ago

Is California’s wildfire season finally over? Don’t bet on it, experts say

LA Times  

California has entered fall amid notably moist conditions that have left some wondering whether this year’s fire season has officially fizzled. Explore the section But while it’s tempting to call this year a washout, recent storms have also spurred new vegetation growth that could act as fuel, Cal Fire officials said. “We know that there’s a lot of fuel available, …

Wildfire-prone California to consider new rules for property insurance pricing
1 year, 3 months ago

Wildfire-prone California to consider new rules for property insurance pricing

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California will let insurance companies consider climate change when setting their prices, the state’s chief regulator announced Thursday, a move aimed at preventing insurers from fleeing the state over fears of massive losses from wildfires and other natural disasters. On Thursday, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said the state will write new rules to let insurers look …

Column: Time to panic? The home insurance market in California is collapsing because of climate change
1 year, 3 months ago

Column: Time to panic? The home insurance market in California is collapsing because of climate change

LA Times  

As another legislative session draws to a close in Sacramento, the problem lawmakers failed to fix is one of the most urgent facing Californians: the slow-moving collapse of the property insurance market as costs from climate disasters mount. Throughout the United States, in different geographies, we’re reaching a point where climate change is driving to an uninsurable future,” said Dave …

Climate change boosts risk of explosive wildfire growth in California by 25%, study says
1 year, 3 months ago

Climate change boosts risk of explosive wildfire growth in California by 25%, study says

LA Times  

Sierra Cobras fire crew member Gustavo Cisneros keeps an eye on a hillside as flames roil the Sequoia National Forest during the 2021 Windy fire. “So it’s important to look at more direct on-the-ground solutions to the problem like fuel reduction.” Although previous studies have looked at the impact of climate change on broader metrics like annual area burned, as …

California is working on solutions to worsening climate change. Will they be enough?
1 year, 3 months ago

California is working on solutions to worsening climate change. Will they be enough?

LA Times  

In the opening chapter of “The Ministry for the Future,” science-fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson details a calamitous heat wave that kills almost all the residents of a small town. “The simple equation is climate change, warmer atmosphere, more intense rain, more pollution, more problems but also major catastrophic infrastructure damage,” said Stefanie Sekich, senior manager of Surfrider Foundation’s coast …

Can a $20-million liability fund encourage more ‘good fire’ in California?
1 year, 5 months ago

Can a $20-million liability fund encourage more ‘good fire’ in California?

LA Times  

As California grapples with increasingly destructive wildfires due in part to climate change, many experts insist that the state must fight fire with fire and expand the use of controlled burns to clear forests of excess fuel and restore ecosystem health. “We call this good fire, beneficial fire,” said state Sen. Bill Dodd, who “Good fire” can refer to prescribed …

Wildfire burn areas in California are growing ever larger due to greenhouse gas emissions
1 year, 6 months ago

Wildfire burn areas in California are growing ever larger due to greenhouse gas emissions

LA Times  

Although California may be enjoying a lull in this year’s wildfire season — courtesy of a wet winter and a cool spring — scientists say humanity’s relentless burning of fossil fuels has ensured that wildland fires will scorch ever larger portions of the state, perhaps as much as 52% more by midcentury. AghaKouchak said similar attribution studies — such as …

California insurance market rattled by withdrawal of major companies
1 year, 6 months ago

California insurance market rattled by withdrawal of major companies

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Two insurance industry giants have pulled back from California’s home insurance marketplace, saying that increasing wildfire risk and soaring construction costs have prompted them to stop writing new policies in the nation’s most populous state. State Farm announced last week it would stop accepting applications for all business and personal lines of property and casualty insurance, citing …

Editorial: Climate change is making California more expensive. Home insurance is the latest bellwether
1 year, 6 months ago

Editorial: Climate change is making California more expensive. Home insurance is the latest bellwether

LA Times  

It’s bad news that California’s largest home insurance provider, State Farm, decided it’s too risky and expensive to sell new policies in the state. It’s even worse news that State Farm simply publicized what other insurance companies have been doing quietly for several years by refusing to renew policies and pulling out of communities at risk for wildfires. The company …

Rain, snowfall reduce risk of wildfires in California
2 years, 1 month ago

Rain, snowfall reduce risk of wildfires in California

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “My sense is it’s certainly …

Climate change is rapidly accelerating in California, state report says
2 years, 1 month ago

Climate change is rapidly accelerating in California, state report says

LA Times  

A firefighter goes through the burn zone of the Fairview fire near Hemet on Sept. 9, 2022. Ten of the 20 largest wildfires since 1950 burned in 2020 and 2021, including the record-breaking August Complex, which surpassed 1 million acres in 2020 to become the state’s first “gigafire.” “It is troubling how some of the changes are occurring a lot …

California to require insurance discounts for property owners who reduce wildfire risk
2 years, 2 months ago

California to require insurance discounts for property owners who reduce wildfire risk

LA Times  

Firefighters battle the Coastal fire at Coronado Pointe in Laguna Niguel in May. New rules mandate that insurance companies reward consumers who take wildfire safety and mitigation actions under the state’s Safer From Wildfires framework, the Department of Insurance announced Monday. Under the new rules, insurance companies will have 180 days to submit rate filings that incorporate the wildfire safety …

Climate deniers are costing California too much time, money
2 years, 2 months ago

Climate deniers are costing California too much time, money

LA Times  

Looking back, Bradley Bentz doesn’t know what took him so long to move out of Los Angeles County. “I kind of just.,” Bentz said, searching for the right words to sum up his life, “fell in love.” Lumber trucks display the Stars and Stripes in Greenville’s Gold Diggers Day parade. “I really think it would take a disaster to scare …

California aims to lower fire insurance costs for homeowners
2 years, 3 months ago

California aims to lower fire insurance costs for homeowners

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California moved Wednesday to become the first state to lower insurance costs for property owners who make improvements to reduce their fire risk, the state’s insurance commissioner said as wildfires again flared across the heat-stricken state. Lara said in a statement that the new regulations “will help more Californians find insurance they can afford” and “will save …

High temperatures drive California fires, but heatwave receding
2 years, 3 months ago

High temperatures drive California fires, but heatwave receding

Al Jazeera  

Firefighters are struggling to contain numerous blazes amid scorching temperatures that are expected to drop over the weekend. “As you’ve seen with the smoke column coming up, this fire continues to give us a hard time,” Cal Fire Division Chief Mike Rufenacht said in a briefing. @CALFIRERRUhttps://t.co/azYefDzQih pic.twitter.com/k8vMf5zGKj — CAL FIRE September 8, 2022 The fires come on the heels …

California vows to ban gas-fueled cars. But its record on big climate promises is mixed
2 years, 3 months ago

California vows to ban gas-fueled cars. But its record on big climate promises is mixed

LA Times  

It was the sort of bold, climate-focused initiative that California has developed a reputation for — an effective ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. “The Air Resources Board’s greatest claim to fame before the climate era was its role in creating and enforcing the adoption of catalytic converters and other technologies to reduce the emissions of …

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