Fire Mitigation

Q: How has insurers’ rating of Warm Springs Ranch changed in the last few years?

A: Insurance companies use vendors that continually evaluate areas throughout the state for wildfire risk.  They look at topography, vegetation growth, dead or dying trees, and other factors to determine the rating.  In 2020 Warm Springs was not considered to be a high wildfire risk, and no additional mitigation efforts were required.  However, the area has deteriorated to the point where wildfire mitigation efforts are required by insurers.  If an area continues to deteriorate, it could become an area where it is ineligible for insurance.  That would have a negative impact on the value, marketability, and affordability of our homes.

Q: Can property insurers deny coverage based on the fire risk of Warm Springs Ranch?

A: Yes, the attached example of requirements that are things that must be done in order for the home to be insurable.  All insurance companies have some form of wildfire mitigation requirements.

Q: What is a fire-adapted community?

A: The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy defines a fire-adapted community as “a human community consisting of informed and prepared citizens collaboratively planning and taking action to safely coexist with wildland fire.” In order to increase the likelihood homes and infrastructure survive a wildfire, all landowners must work together to reduce fire hazards within and adjacent to communities. This includes work on individual home sites and common areas within communities. Every community member has a role in fire adaptation,  from civic leaders, to developers, to first responders, to homeowners and land management agencies. 

Q: What is the Home Ignition Zone?

A: The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is the home and the area around the home (or structure). The HIZ takes into account both the potential of the structure to ignite and the quality of defensible space surrounding it. Refer to the Defensible Space Guide for more information on methods of home ignition.

Q: What is Defensible Space?

A: A defensible Space is the area around a home (or structure) that has been modified to reduce fire hazard by creating space between potential fuel sources. It is an area free of flammable vegetation, dead or dying plants and trees, stumps or logs.  Surface litter (fallen leaves, twigs, needles, cones and bark) should be reduced, and live plants and trees should be trimmed of dead branches and leaves. 

Q: What three factors determine wildfire behavior?

A: 1) Fuels 2) Weather 3) Topography

Q: How can I reduce the risk of a wildfire igniting structures on my property?

A: BEST PRACTICES TO REDUCE STRUCTURAL IGNITABILITY

• Ensure the roof has a Class A fire rating

• Remove all leaves, needles and other debris from all decks, roofs and gutters

• Screen attic, roof, eaves and foundation vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh

• Screen or wall-in stilt foundations and decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh

• Use tempered glass for windows; two or more panes are recommended

• Create 6 inches of vertical clearance between the ground and home siding

• Replace combustible fencing or gates, at least within 5 feet of the home

Q: What can you do if your neighbor has fire risk, e.g. firewood stacked next to the house, or wood debris from trees covering the yard, and they have not attempted mitigation?

A: That is a great question, and one we need to address as a community.  One person can do a very good job at wildfire mitigation, but if the neighbors don't then the community as a whole continues to be at higher risk.  I suggest we start with frequent education, awareness, and encouragement of everyone to participate.  However, I don't know what language, if any, we can include in the HOA regulations to address some wildfire maintenance, but that might be something to explore as well.  We really need everyone in the community to buy in and have some participation to help keep Warm Springs protected and a viable place to live. 

Q: What is the HOA Board doing to help ensure the community maintains awareness and takes action to mitigate fire risk?

A: The topic of fire mitigation was discussed at length in the August 17, 2024 HOA Board Meeting. We agreed that the first step is providing information and resources.  This page on our website is designed to help communicate the needed information.  The additional steps are being discussed and addressed by the Open Space Committee, on which our Board Member and Fire-fighter Greg Dumas will provide guidance and expertise.  Their decisions and proposed actions will be provided to the HOA Board and communicated to Property Owners through our normal communication channels, e.g. emails and updates to this page.

Q: What resources are available to help me with fire mitigation assessment and actions?

A: The North-West Fire Protection District is available on a case-by-case basis to schedule a time to visit properties and give a professional assessment on what mitigation is needed on a property for improvements and best preparedness for wildfires. https://www.nwfpd.org/

Also, if you have a hardship that limits your ability to perform or hire mitigation work yourself, you can ask from assistance from our Community Assistance Network in Warm Springs Ranch.  Requesting this help can be done through emailing can@wsomwa.com or calling the Warm Springs Office.

If you are seeking advice from an insurance expert regarding fire mitigation, you may contact Larry Hill (who is also a property owner in WSR) at  (303) 710-1415 or larryhill@comcast.net