WPC Targets 100% Firewise

On Mar-25-2026, the Wildfire Preparedness Committee (WPC) presented its annual update to the Town Council. A major committee accomplishment in 2025 was the completion of the WPC’s insurance tracking report, by former Chairperson Jennifer Hammer and Wanda Ginner. Their online survey ran from March to September 2025 and showed that of 117 respondents, 54 had been cancelled or non-renewed by 17 different insurance companies. 30% ended up on the FAIR plan.

While the 6% response rate is too low to be statistically significant, the results do indicate that the insurance crisis is only getting worse. The CA Dept of Insurance (CDI) reports FAIR plan enrollment by zip code. In Sep-2025, 94028 had seen a 47% annual increase.

The only way to improve the insurance situation is that we must reduce our wildfire risk at a community scale. With this goal in mind, the WPC, under the leadership of members Patty Dewes and Wanda Ginner, are working towards getting 100% of Portola Valley residences into a Firewise community. Currently, PV has 50% coverage.

Growing that number entails finding and helping neighborhood leaders to establish a Firewise community, which can be as small as 8 homes. As we all get educated about being Firewise and mitigate together, our wildfire risk will be significantly reduced, making our Town attractive to insurers. Want to join us in Firewise? Contact wildfireprepcommittee@portolavalley.net

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

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.