New California grant program would help homeowners fireproof homes

CALIFORNIA – Lawmakers voted 16-0, on April 30, to pass Assembly Bill 888, a measure that would establish the California Safe Homes grant program.

Funding from the grant program will help homeowners make their properties fire-resistant and reduce statewide wildfire losses.

The bill was sent back to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further review.

Low-income homeowners with state-approved insurance, living in high or very high fire hazard zones would qualify for financial assistance.

Assemblymember and bill author Lisa Calderon said the measure is necessary to create a statewide program focused on the costliest home-hardening renovations.

Roof replacement with fire-safe materials

The grant program, which would be developed by the California Department of Insurance (CDI), would prioritize funding to help residents replace roofs with fire-safe materials.

In addition, priority would be given to clearing the first five feet around homes.

According to the bill analysis, applicants could receive money to cover all or part of the costs.

Funding would also go towards community-level wildfire protection strategies.

Safer from Wildfires gives discounts for making property fire-resistant

CDI commissioner Ricardo Lara said investing in mitigation is crucial to overcoming the insurance crisis.

The state faces a growing crisis as major providers reduce coverage in wildfire-prone areas. This leaves homeowners struggling to secure affordable policies, often turning to the state’s FAIR Plan as a last resort.

Safer from Wildfires is a program that provides an incentive to homeowners for making their properties fire-resistant.

Under the program, insurers offer discounts to consumers and businesses that implement specified risk-reduction actions that also includes fire-safe roof replacement, creating a five-foot ember resistant zone around a home, and eight other actions.