Oregon Partners with Insurance Industry to Enhance Wildfire Prevention for Homeowners
Oregon’s State Fire Marshal is teaming up with a nonprofit organization backed by the insurance industry to help homeowners protect their properties from wildfires and potentially reduce their insurance costs. State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple signed a memorandum of agreement with Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, on Friday.
The partnership introduces the ‘Wildfire Prepared’ certification program to Oregon, which was previously available only in California. This program provides homeowners with certificates for completing specific wildfire prevention measures around their homes. Insurance companies may then factor this certification into their rate calculations, potentially helping to curb the rising cost of property insurance, which has increased by 30% since 2020 according to the state’s Department of Consumer and Business Services.
Governor Tina Kotek emphasized the importance of maintaining insurance availability for homeowners despite wildfire risks. ‘We need to ensure that our homeowners continue to have access to insurance,’ she stated at a news conference. ‘While we also want prices to decrease, having available insurance is our minimum requirement.’
The ‘Wildfire Prepared’ certification requires homeowners to clear a 5-foot buffer around their homes and decks, removing any combustible materials such as trees, branches, mulch, and certain types of fencing. After completing the work, homeowners submit an application with photos and a $125 fee. Inspectors then review the submissions and conduct follow-up visits to verify compliance.
Oregon’s Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi noted that the certification should help keep insurance coverage available and affordable for Oregonians. ‘When consumers and the state invest in reducing wildfire risk, insurers should reflect that progress in their rating and underwriting,’ he said.
While the state has previously allocated funds to help homeowners with wildfire prevention measures, recent investments have been limited. The 2024 grant program offering $250 grants for defensible space landscaping is no longer available. Governor Kotek remains committed to securing dedicated funds to support community-based grants for wildfire prevention.
The collaboration between the state and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety also includes research initiatives, educational opportunities for homeowners, and post-wildfire analysis. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance wildfire resilience across Oregon communities.
