Private Fire Protection an Option as Insurance Costs, Wildfire Challenges Increase

The insurance situation in Rancho Santa Fe is becoming more difficult by the day. Many homeowners are receiving non-renewal notices, forcing them to scramble for new coverage — at more than triple the previous cost. Some are turning to out-of-state private insurers or the California Fair Plan, which many say doesn’t live up to its name.

Recent wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena have only made things worse. Insurance companies are nervously leaving the state, or raising premiums and that’s leaving residents more exposed than ever.

Firefighters Can’t Save Every Home

At a recent community meeting hosted by the Rancho Santa Fe Association and RSF Foundation, local fire officials made one thing clear: when a wildfire comes — and it will — homeowners need to be ready. Local fire crews won’t be able to protect every property. It’s up to each of us to clear brush, install ember-proof vents and eaves, and make our homes as fire-resistant as possible.

The Pacific Palisades fire shook many people. There was no water in the reservoirs, fire tankers were delayed, and leadership was lacking. Luckily, according to local agencies, Rancho Santa Fe’s water system is in better shape:

• Hydrants are maintained on a three-year cycle
• Reservoirs won’t be emptied during fire season
• Large quantities of water can be pushed through the system if needed (though it may be untreated, so no drinking out of the taps.)

Still, officials warned us to turn off irrigation sprinklers during a fire. The system is designed for single-home fires, not large-scale wildfires.

Private Fire Protection: A Smart Backup

The underlying message to residents was, in the event of a wildfire, homeowners are on their own. So what are the options for those who are uninsured or worried their policy won’t cover everything, especially watching Palisades fire victims struggle to rebuild? Hiring a private fire company could be a lifesaver — literally.

Take Rick Caruso, for example. His shopping center in Pacific Palisades was relatively untouched during the fire thanks to a private brigade he hired, even though nearby buildings burned to ash.

One private fire protection option is Capstone Fire Management, which offers yearly contracts for around-the-clock fire protection. They can tap into your swimming pool with a water pump or bring their own fire trucks during a wildfire.

Their services cost about $7,500 per year — a small price compared to the value of Rancho Santa Fe homes. Residents can also spray their properties with long-lasting fire retardant which lasts until the next rain – as an added layer of protection. See more information on retardants and other preventative measures here.

Insurance is becoming harder to get, wildfires are more frequent, and emergency crews can’t do it all. It’s up to each of us to be proactive, protect our homes, and prepare our families — pets included — for fire season, which now apparently lasts all year. To find out more about private fire protection, contact the following companies: