Mandatory Home Fire Retrofits Proposed Amid Rising Wildfire Risk in California
Los Angeles County is facing an urgent call for action as fire prevention groups push for mandatory home retrofitting in wildfire-prone areas. With the frequency of devastating fires increasing, experts advocate for homeowners to upgrade old roofs, vents, and windows to better withstand flames and embers. Currently, limited financial incentives deter many from these costly improvements, averaging between $10,000 and $40,000.
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety has urged local officials in Altadena and Pacific Palisades to implement mandatory retrofits for homes that survived previous fires. A recent report by the Urban Land Institute emphasizes the need to bridge gaps in fire-hardening building codes, noting that over 90% of homes in these areas were constructed before stricter regulations were enacted in 2008.
While new legislation aims to offer grants and tax credits for retrofitting, homeowners express concern over out-of-pocket expenses, especially when insurance support remains minimal. As climate change exacerbates fire risks, the Drews, local residents, emphasize the necessity of making homes fire-resistant to secure better insurance rates and safety.
The rising urgency for action highlights the critical role of home retrofitting in safeguarding communities against future wildfires.
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