What the Eaton and Palisades Fires Reveal About Wildfire Risk in Marin’s Housing Stock
For construction professionals in Marin County, wildfire risk may not always be a primary concern—but it should be. Recent fires in Southern California provide critical lessons on how homes ignite and the importance of wildfire-resistant construction. The Eaton Fire in Pasadena spread into a neighborhood of older homes, exposing the vulnerabilities of aging structures that predate modern wildfire codes. Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire ignited multiple homes in a newer development, proving that even recent
Home Hardening in Action
When wildfire swept through Camarillo, California, Steven Snyder’s fire-hardened home emerged unscathed amid widespread destruction in his neighborhood. By choosing to build with fire-resistant materials—Class A roofing, fireproof siding, ember-resistant vents, and a fully cleared defensible space—Snyder’s home stood resilient against the flames. His story underscores the critical role of wildfire-ready construction as California’s seasons grow more intense, especially in high-risk areas like Marin
The Future of Home Insurance May Rely on Fire Smart Building
Earlier in July 2024, the New York Times published an article highlighting the collaboration of researchers at the Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and insurance agencies, who are grappling with escalating losses due to the magnitude of wildfires across the West. The research emphasizes the role of a home's design features to withstand wildfire by focusing on key areas of home ignition risk: near-home landscaping, and the building’s materials and design often referred to as home