Loss Mitigation Measures

The threat of catastrophic property loss or physical injury due to brush or wildfires can occur at any time. If you live in an area that may be impacted by wildfire, the California FAIR Plan recommends the following proactive measures to reduce the exposure to wildfires. These suggestions are not meant to be an exhaustive list of activities.

MAINTAIN DEFENSIBLE SPACE. DO IT NOW!

Cut back any native brush or vegetation and prune trees that may be impeding on any structures on your property.

Many fire protection districts have set requirements for brush clearance. Contact your local fire department to determine their specific requirements. However, keep in mind that their clearance requirements may differ from those set by the FAIR Plan for insurance rating purposes. Contact your insurance advisor, or the FAIR Plan to determine the guidelines for your area.

Property owners who have a brush/wildfire charge and have done additional clearance should contact the FAIR Plan’s underwriting department in writing to request a property re-inspection.

If the inspection determines that the brush/wildfire hazard has decreased, a premium credit will be applied based on the re-inspection date. However, the brush/wildfire re-inspection can also determine that the existing brush/wildfire hazard has increased, which may result in additional premium.

UTILIZE FIRE RESISTANT PLANTS

These plants are relatively non-flammable and burn less readily than typical chaparral plants such as Chamise or Scrub Oak. There is no such thing as a fireproof plant.

Most substances – including green plants – will burn if subjected to a high degree of temperature for extended periods. The time and temperature characteristics of ignition and combustion vary considerably between species.

Q: Should all brush be cleared down to the bare earth?

A: No, it is recommended that native brush be thinned and cut to a height of approximately 12 inches, with all tree branch growth trimmed 6 feet off of the ground and 10 feet back from the roof line. This leaves the stump or root structure intact. All dead wood and combustible litter should be removed from the premises. The area should be replanted with one or more varieties of fire-resistant plants.

Q: How should fire-resistant plants be utilized?

A: Plant in wide band or drifts. Fire-resistant planting should be in sufficient width to provide an effective firebreak.

Q: Where should fire-resistant plants be used?

A: In areas subject to wildfire, alongside heavily traveled roads, around homes, behind other structures on the property lot, near parking sites and along existing firebreaks where potential erosion problems exist.

Q: What is the advantage of these plantings over bare ground firebreaks?

A: A good coverage of fire-resistant plants will reduce soil erosion, increase slope stability, help to protect watersheds, and add to the overall landscaping of the area.

Q: Where can I find fire-resistant plants?

A: Fire resistant plants can reduce fire exposure. Check with your local fire department to determine if they have a list of fire-resistant plants. Most retail nurseries should have a list of these plants, and can provide you with more specific details on cost, planting and maintenance of a given plant. Information on types of fire-resistant plants can also be obtained by contacting the Los Angeles County Arboretum at (626) 821-3222, or by reviewing the websites of some of the following organizations:

DISCLAIMER:

While the FAIR Plan believes you may find value in using one or more of these Internet websites, please note that the FAIR Plan does not endorse them or their content and does not control or take responsibility for the accuracy of the information presented by these websites. In using them, you will leave this web site and will be subject to the privacy and other policies of the new sites. You may be charged a fee for using some of these websites.

California Fire Safe Council	http://www.firesafecouncil.org/
California Native Plant Society	http://www.cnps.org/
California Invasive Plant Council	http://www.cal-ipc.org/
American Society of Landscape Architects, Southern California Chapter	http://www.asla-socal.org/
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection	http://www.fire.ca.gov/
Nursery Growers Association of California	http://www.nurserygrowers.org/

PROTECTING YOUR HOME’S ROOF AND ATTIC VENTS FROM POSSIBLE BRUSH/WILDFIRE DESTRUCTION

The destruction of numerous homes and structures in recent southern California brush/wildfire catastrophes was caused by wind-driven, flying embers that traveled more than a mile ahead of the actual wall of flames. These embers either ignited on the underside of roof eaves, balconies and decks, or flew into the insulation materials inside attic vents, causing the home to implode from inside out.

To prevent possible damage or destruction of your home in the event of future brush/wildfires, the California FAIR Plan recommends the following proactive measures homeowners can do outside of their dwelling:

Remove all flammable vegetation around all structures at risk. This includes all ornamentals, cutting back tree branches, and removing dead trees and palm fronds. State law requires a minimum 100 feet of clearance to establish a defensible space. However, 200 feet of clearance is required to avoid a brush/wildfire charge.

Enclose the underside of eaves, and decks with fire-resistant materials to keep out flying embers.

Clean dead leaves and needles from the roof and rain gutters.

Cover your chimney, attic vents and stovepipes with ½-inch mesh screens.

If you are planning to re-roof, check with a licensed roofing contractor or your local fire department on types of roofs that comply with state and local building codes.

Move propane tanks and stack woodpiles at least 30 feet from all structures.

Install either dual or triple-paned windows when financially feasible.

Other proactive measures to protect your home and family are covered in a 12-minute Firesafe video that you can preview on our website.