IBHS Report on the LA Fires

In Mar-2025, IBHS issued an early observation report on the LA Fires. The massive urban conflagration is being attributed to extreme fire weather, drought, structure density, connective fuels, and building materials. IBHS evaluated 247 structures to see where connective fuels (wood fences, cars, privacy hedges, trash cans) and resilient building materials (vents, double pane windows, siding) made a difference.

Check the list below and think about where home hardening might have changed the outcome. How do your mitigation efforts compare to the preparation in LA?

Not sure what the right answers are? Check out CAL FIRE’s Ready for Wildfire tips.

Please subscribe to Portola Valley eNotices from the WPC and eNotifications from WFPD.  

PV homeowners are encouraged to participate in the WPC’s on-going 5-minute insurance tracking project. Go here to report on your home insurance availability and affordability.

San Mateo County Alert System SMC Alert is our primary emergency notification system. Encourage all adult members (18 and older) of your family to subscribe.

All the Wildfire Preparedness tips are on the committee’s page. To rate this tip or submit questions or concerns, please fill out this Google Form.