Oregon’s State Fire Marshal, Mariana Ruiz-Temple, has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a nonprofit backed by major insurance companies including State Farm and Farmers Insurance. The partnership aims to help Oregonians protect their homes from wildfires and potentially reduce their insurance premiums through the ‘Wildfire Prepared’ certification program.
The ‘Wildfire Prepared’ Certification Program
The ‘Wildfire Prepared’ program, previously available only in California, offers homeowners certificates for undertaking specific wildfire prevention measures around their homes. This certification could be factored into insurance rate calculations, potentially curbing the rising cost of property insurance, which has increased by 30% since 2020 according to Oregon’s Department of Consumer and Business Services.
Key Requirements for Certification
- Clearing a 5-foot buffer around the home and any deck, removing combustible materials such as trees, overhanging branches, mulch, grass, turf, wood, or vinyl fencing.
- Submitting a $125 application with photos of the work done.
- Passing a review of the photos by IBHS inspectors.
- A follow-up visit by a third-party inspector to confirm the work or document additional steps needed.
- Annual submission of photos to maintain certification.
- Recertification every three years.
Impact on Insurance Premiums and Availability
Governor Tina Kotek emphasized the importance of maintaining insurance availability for Oregonians despite wildfire risks. While California has struggled with insurance coverage, Oregon currently maintains an insurance market. Kotek noted that working with the insurance industry and implementing best practices could lead to a different relationship than seen in California.
Oregon Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi stated that the certification should help Oregonians keep and afford insurance as insurers reflect risk reduction efforts in their rating and underwriting practices.
Challenges in Affording Home Hardening
Despite the progress, investment in incentives for home hardening has decreased. The 2021 Legislature allocated over $30 million for home hardening following the 2020 Labor Day Fires, but by 2023, this allocation was reduced to about 10% of that amount. A 2024 grant program providing $250 grants for defensible space landscaping is no longer available.
Governor Kotek remains committed to securing dedicated funds to support community-based grants for individual homeowners and community-wide wildfire prevention efforts.
The partnership between Oregon’s fire marshal and IBHS also includes research, educational opportunities on home hardening and defensible space, and post-wildfire analysis. This initiative aims to not only help homeowners protect their properties but also contribute to a broader strategy for mitigating wildfire risks in Oregon.
