In recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month, a coalition of wildfire experts, technology companies, energy providers, and nonprofits launched a groundbreaking pilot project aimed at creating the most wildfire-ready community in the Lake Tahoe region. The Incline Fire Smart Community Pilot is taking place in the Tyrolian Village HOA, a neighborhood encompassing 228 homes across 60 […]
FireSmart event near Priddis to help property owners prepare (AB)
The Square Butte Community Association is hosting an event to help residents protect their properties from wildfires. The FireSmart presentation is at Square Butte Hall on Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m. and includes door prizes and lunch. Read the article…………………………….
KCA calls for state support on water infrastructure and fire mitigation (HI)
The Kula Community Association (KCA) has formally called on Gov. Josh Green and the State of Hawai?i to take urgent action in advance of what is expected to be another challenging wildfire season in Upcountry Maui. In a letter sent on May 12th, Kula Community Association outlined two critical areas of concern: the need for […]
Condo dwellers push back on concerns about electric vehicle fire hazards (FL)
First this week, our recent question regarding the requirement to install charging stations for electric vehicles sparked a lot of interest and responses from EV owners (some nicer than others), particularly concerning the relative risk of electric vehicles when compared to traditional gas and diesel-fueled vehicles. Read the article…………………………….
Officials Discuss City’s Elevated Fire Hazard Status (CA)
Community members filled the Recital Hall at the Brand Library and Art Center on Thursday for a meeting with city officials to discuss Glendale’s position on Phase 4 of CAL FIRE’s new Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and how it will impact neighborhoods throughout the city. During the May 8 meeting, hosted by the Northwest […]
Prescott residents are in one of the highest risk areas for wildfires, which affects insurance (AZ)
HOA leaders and firefighters are in the neighborhood training to be firewise inspectors across the region. Video news report……………………..
Fire safety concerns at the Cherry Blossom Townhomes (OR)
An Ombudsman investigation found that the Fire Bureau’s poor communication left residents of an East Portland affordable housing community concerned about their safety. We also found that parking practices at the property could impede Fire vehicle access. Read the article…………………………….
El Dorado Hills neighbors join forces for fire safety (CA)
Two homeowners’ associations in El Dorado Hills which joined the national Firewise USA program within days of each other in February teamed up May 3 to learn how they can make their neighborhoods safer from the risk of wildfire. Read the article…………………………….
Nevada community groups awarded funding for fire mitigation
Cold Creek Canyon Homeowners Association – Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project – This project will carry out manual vegetation thinning and brush clearing on 50 properties to enhance wildfire resilience in the off-grid Cold Creek community. The goal is to improve emergency access and reduce fuel loads in areas prone to wildfires in Clark County. The […]
Tahoe Donner Association signs landmark wildfire insurance policy tied to forest management (CA)
In a groundbreaking move that could reshape wildfire insurance nationwide, the Tahoe Donner Association has secured a first-of-its-kind policy that links premium pricing directly to decades of active forest management. The innovative agreement—developed in collaboration with former California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, The Nature Conservancy, UC Berkeley and Willis, a business of WTW—marks the first […]
Barbecues – Caution (CA)
In California, open flame cooking devices, including charcoal and propane grills, may not be operated on combustible balconies or within ten feet of combustible construction except for (1) One and two family dwellings, and (2) When buildings, balconies, and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Read the article…………………………….
Fire-Resistant Shrubs To Add To Your California Landscape
On average, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reports a little over 700 wildland fires every year. While many of us focus on the ways to protect our homes against fires, we often forget that wildfire protection can start in our own lawns. Believe it or not, there are a slew of plants […]
Wildfire Safety Tips for Your HOA Community
Wildfires can pose a significant threat to communities located in areas prone to dry conditions and high winds. By implementing effective wildfire safety measures, you can help protect lives, property, and the environment. Before implementing safety measures, it’s important to understand the specific wildfire risks in your area. Factors such as climate, vegetation, and topography […]
A first-of-its-kind neighborhood in California fights fire by just existing
In June, Steve Ruffner watched a demonstration where two sheds were set on fire. As a result of what he saw, people 30 miles north of San Diego are now moving into homes far less likely to burn in a wildfire. “I was shocked,” said Ruffner, who is president of KB Home Coastal, a large […]
Green Valley prepares for critical wildfire season (AZ)
In a press conference held Monday with Governor Katie Hobbs, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Management warned that the upcoming fire season could be one of the most critical in years.
Fire Prevention Awareness
As we head into cooler months and holidays, it is important to check the fire and CO2 alarms in your home to prevent emergencies, whether you live in a condominium or high-rise building. If you don’t have fire or CO2 alarms in your home, adding alarms can save lives and property. Check with your local […]
WILDFIRE DEVASTATION & INSURANCE FALLOUT – What Your HOA Needs To Know (CA)
In January, wildfires destroyed 16,240 homes and commercial properties including condominium associations and planned developments. Loses are estimated between $95 billion and $164 billion, with insured losses estimated at $75 billion. Associations statewide already had trouble finding insurance. The Los Angeles fires will make it even harder, and premiums will increase significantly. Are you interested […]
Saguache County Firewise – lessons from Calif. (CO)
During his presentation, Johnson showed numerous slides of the fire and also provided practical advice on how to implement fire zones around their homes. This information empowered the audience to take proactive steps to make their homes more resistant to a wildfire. The event was made possible through the joint efforts of the Crestone Volunteer […]
One HOA at a time, nonprofits work to Firewise Rim Country (AZ)
On a windy day, a single ember from a wildfire can travel more than a mile before coming to rest. And after one of the driest winters on record in Arizona, nonprofits are working to educate homeowners about the risk of those embers landing on their doorsteps. Read the article…………………………….
DFFM hosts Firewise workday at Coffee Pot subdivision (AZ)
Hand crews from Diablo Canyon and Phoenix and inmates working under the authority of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management conducted brush removal around the Cottages at Coffeepot homeowners’ association on the morning of Feb. 3. Read the article…………………………….
Open-Flame Grills Banned On Condo & Apartment Balconies In Osage Beach (MO)
Starting Saturday, open-flame grills will no longer be allowed on decks or balconies of multi-family residences in the City of Osage Beach. The Board voted to adopt Section 308.1.4 of the International Fire Code after a 90-day comment period and three public forums. The rule, already in place in other Lake-area fire districts, bans charcoal […]
Grills Causing Community Associations to Feel the Heat from Insurance Companies (CO)
As many common interest community owners and boards likely know, finding association insurance at a reasonable rate in Colorado is becoming more difficult. One of the reasons for this is that Colorado is the state with the third-highest wildfire risk, with Colorado’s 20 largest recorded wildfires occurring in the last 2 decades. In 8 of […]
Bird Rock condo residents worry about fire risk from rooftop HVAC units (CA)
In the wake of the recent outbreak of fires in Southern California and a smaller fire in the Seahaus La Jolla condominium complex in Bird Rock, some residents there are worried that another fire might be looming. According to those residents and an outside contractor, some rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at Seahaus […]
Miracle Mile Residents Association Urges Preparedness at Annual Meeting (CA)
Over 200 residents attended the Miracle Mile Residential Association’s annual community last month at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Organizers told Buzz the entire meeting would be dedicated to organizing the community to be prepared for the next disaster. At the time of the meeting, firefighters had not yet fully contained the Palisades and Eaton fires, […]
‘Every place is vulnerable’: North Santa Fe HOA takes on large-scale fire mitigation project with grant support (NM)
A specialist from the Santa Fe Fire Department has walked all over a large chunk of the city’s north side and tied thousands of tags to piñon and juniper trees in recent months, envisioning a new landscape. A green tag indicates a branch that should be cut, while a pink tag indicates the whole tree […]
How to become a Firewise community and sign up for emergency notifications in El Paso and Teller Counties (CO)
Ahead of a wildfire town hall being held by the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) News5 wants to share a few ways you can be prepared for wildfires and help prevent them. “This isn’t ‘if’ a wildfire is going to happen, it’s ‘when’ a wildfire is going to happen,” Jessica McIntire the program coordinator for […]
LA fires fuel concerns over rising cost, availability of Tahoe homeowners’ insurance (CA)
Multiple homeowner’s associations (HOAs) are also increasingly involved in creating and enforcing “firewise community standards.” The Tahoe Donner HOA, for example, has its own forestry department which it claims is “is nationally regarded as a leader in their field when it comes to defensible space, wildfire reduction and overall forest health.” Read the article…………………………….
Fire warden warns against fire mitigation group (CO)
“At a time when private property owners in our county are losing fire insurance daily or cannot obtain fire insurance for new construction, we cannot have an organization putting our county at risk with nonstandard practices or misleading information and our citizens now have the same information we have,” Williams said. NoFloCo says it is […]
Wildfire in Southern Colorado: L.A. lessons
The Golden Hills Homeowner Association has been proactive about mitigation in the neighborhood. Seeing the wildfire around Los Angeles is a reminder of why they do the work. “You know, not to the same scale, but you can certainly pick out certain areas within town that look very similar,” said Golden Hills Homeowner Association President, […]
Fire Ban For Tahoe Donner Homeowners And Renters In Effect (CA)
The Tahoe Donner homeowner’s association reports there is a fire ban for all Tahoe Donner owners, renters and guests starting Thursday. They said no outdoor wood or charcoal fires are allowed and fines will be immediately issued and enforced. Read the article…………………………….
L.A. fires show limits of America’s efforts to cope with climate change
This week’s fires around Los Angeles present a puzzle: Why is California, the state best equipped to deal with wildfires, seemingly unable to prevent blazes from consuming entire chunks of the country’s second-largest city? Read the article…………………………….
Greater Los Angeles-Area Wildfire Government Responses & Resources for Homeowners
CAI’s community of homeowners, volunteer leaders, community association managers, and business partners are devastated by the Los Angeles area wildfires. Our hearts break for California residents and families impacted by these devastating fires. The devastation stemming from multiple wildfires in Southern California are impacting community associations of all sizes and types in the Greater Los […]
Many communities aren’t ready for wildfire evacuations. Here’s what they can do(CA)
When the Palisades Fire exploded, people rushed to their cars to evacuate, but found the roads clogged with traffic. As the flames approached, police officers told drivers to flee on foot. The abandoned cars were later cleared with a bulldozer. The scene echoed evacuations from other recent wildfires, ones with far deadlier results. Read the […]
The Getty Villa survived LA’s firestorms while the area around it burned, revealing a key lesson for homeowners (CA)
(While this article isnn’t specifically about community associations, the suggestions are good for them) The Palisades fire in California has burned through thousands of acres since breaking out Tuesday between Malibu and Santa Monica, but the iconic Getty Villa, which lay in its path, has remained standing with minor damage, even after homes and trees […]
Fire Safety for NYC Coops and Condos
What’s your biggest fear of living in an apartment building? Sure, leaks from burst pipes are costly and inconvenient, but fires? Fires are terrifying. They can escalate quickly, cause significant damage, and put lives at serious risk. The good news? Fires are often preventable if you take proactive measures. Here’s what every co-op and condo […]
Lake Shannon Association seeks fire protection from HDT (MI)
Concerned about diminished coverage and longer response times when Tyrone Township exits the Hartland-Deerfield-Tyrone (HDT) Fire Authority on April 1, the Lake Shannon Homeowners Association in a letter requested a proposal for costs to contract independently for fire coverage from HDT. Read the article…………………………….
Multifamily Fire Safety: Prevention, Detection, & Communication
Among the many hazards that can threaten any multifamily building, fire ranks right at the top. Local news is replete with stories about the property loss, structural damage, and even death that a fire can cause. While horrific in small properties, fire can be even more dangerous in multifamily buildings. High-rises in particular can pose […]
Holiday Fire Safety Checklist for Your Home and Community
As the holidays approach, festive decorations, flickering candles, and cozy fires warm our homes—but they also bring heightened fire risks. Each year, decorations cause a significant number of household fires, especially during December. This season, keep safety top of mind for yourself and your community with our holiday fire safety checklists to protect both your […]
Multifamily Fire Safety: Prevention, Detection, & Communication
Among the many hazards that can threaten any multifamily building, fire ranks right at the top. Local news is replete with stories about the property loss, structural damage, and even death that a fire can cause. While horrific in small properties, fire can be even more dangerous in multifamily buildings. Read the article…………………………….
Fire Safety & Building Materials
Fire safety is a critical aspect of homeownership, especially in regions prone to wildfires like Colorado. By selecting fire-resistant m aterials and implementing specific construction techniques, you can significantly increase your home’s resilience to fire. Ongoing maintenance and fire hazard awareness are critical to protecting your community from fire hazards. In this article, we’ll explore […]
Honolulu Condos: City Might Water Down Fire Safety Law Again (HI)
Seven years ago, after a deadly condominium fire, the Honolulu City Council moved to mandate sprinklers in every residential high-rise, with the premise that sprinklers save lives. Then came outcry from condo owners and associations, who said the requirement would be prohibitively expensive. The council acquiesced, and under a compromise, buildings could either install sprinklers […]
Australia: Charging danger: Every Strata Building Needs an EV By-law
Enclosed spaces like underground car parks increase the risk of deadly fires. Heat and toxic fumes become trapped, making fires more intense. As more electric vehicles fill these spaces, the risk of fire grows, especially with the addition of more and more charging stations. Read the article…………………………….
Fire Sprinkler and ELSS Deadlines Extended by Florida Fire Prevention Code (FL)
For those of you who own a condominium unit in a high-rise building, you are keenly aware of the many changes through the years to the fire safety requirements for high-rise buildings. The Condominium Act, in Section 718.112(2)(n), Florida Statutes, currently states that all high-rise buildings had to retrofit with either a fire sprinkler system […]
FireSmart program, City of Vernon and local strata working together on fire prevention project (BC)
A Vernon strata is getting the full FireSmart treatment – one the first and largest stratas in B.C. to take advantage of the program. The Spruce Landing Strata Complex, 2504 41st St., is having all of the shrubbery and cedars removed from the complex. Read the article…………………………….
Verdes rely on Firewise for protection (AZ)
As National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certified Firewise Communities, Rio Verde and Tonto Verde work year-round to mitigate the threat of wildfires. To maintain certification as Firewise Communities there is a requirement to annually maintain community boundaries that interface with open desert to reduce fuels that could feed the spread of fires. Annual Firewise Day […]
Wildfire Risks and Costs for California HOAs: Financial, Legal, and Insurance Implications
As California continues to grapple with the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, homeowners associations (HOAs) face significant challenges in protecting their communities from the risks and costs associated with these natural disasters. HOAs are tasked not only with safeguarding their properties and residents but also with navigating complex financial, legal, and insurance implications. Wildfires […]
Fire! Before Your Building Is Under Threat of Fire or Smoke Damage, Here are Some Ways to Plan Ahead and Be Prepared (CO)
Fire safety is a critical aspect of building design and construction. Understanding fire ratings for building materials and adhering to best practices can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and enhance occupant safety. Read the article…………………………….
‘Shocked at the response’: Black Forest neighborhood funds its own fire hydrant (CO)
When a fire engulfed a house in the Black Forest neighborhood of Wissler’s Ranch in 2017, the development’s three 10,000-gallon water cisterns built in the 1990s were tested and failed in a real-world situation. Rather than draw from the cisterns, which were unpressurized and would have required time and special equipment to pump water from, […]
Verdes rely on Firewise for protection (AZ)
Through the Firewise effort, the communities work with the Rio Verde Fire District, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Tonto National Forest and Cave Creek Ranger District to coordinate border maintenance efforts on their property. Additionally, there is cooperation with the HOAs and individual homeowners to maintain properties and further reduce the risk of fire. Read the […]
Californians will soon say goodbye to wood fences, plants near fire-prone homes
California is chipping away at developing new statewide rules to remove plants, mulch and other flammable materials within 5 feet of buildings and structures in fire-prone areas, the Board of Forestry confirmed this month. This proposed set of guidelines would also forbid that ubiquitous backyard feature — a wooden privacy fence. This rule lumps existing […]