The Insurance Mistake Homeowners Discover After Wildfires - Diane Delaney
All Things Wildfire Podcast
In this episode of All Things Wildfire, OP Almaraz sits down with returning guest Diane Delaney, with Private Risk Management Association (PRMA), to unpack what the insurance industry has learned one year after the Palisades wildfire—and what must change going forward. Drawing from PRMA’s nationwide survey of high-net-worth homeowners, Diane reveals a striking disconnect: while over 95% of respondents say they feel confident in their insurance coverage, nearly 70% fear exclusions and gaps at the time of claim. This gap has become painfully clear in catastrophe-prone regions like...
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How Climate Literacy Changes the Way We Handle Wildfires
All Things Wildfire Podcast
In this episode of All Things Wildfire, we sit down with Alison Smart, Executive Director of Probable Futures, to explore why climate literacy is one of the most essential skills of the 21st century, and how it directly impacts the way we prepare for and respond to wildfires. Alison explains how, for the past 12,000 years, our climate was remarkably stable, allowing us to use the past to predict the future. But as the climate shifts, those old assumptions no longer hold true. We discuss how understanding climate science helps us make sense of today’s instability and why everyone, from...
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Wildfire Insurance in California: What Homeowners Need to Know Now
All Things Wildfire Podcast
California homeowners are facing a growing wildfire insurance crisis. With rising rates, reduced coverage options, and increased wildfire risk due to climate change and inflation, understanding your insurance options is more important than ever. In this episode of the All Things Wildfire podcast, host OP Almaraz speaks with Sharon Smith, Outreach Analyst at the California Department of Insurance, to discuss the challenges, solutions, and legislative changes shaping wildfire coverage in California. Why Wildfire Insurance Rates Are Rising in California Wildfire insurance premiums are increasing...
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Insurance Claims Guide: Recovering after the wildfires
All Things Wildfire Podcast
In this episode of All Things Wildfire, host OP Almaraz sits down with Brad Sawyer and Robert Clemmons of Marsh & McLennan Agency to unpack the growing urgency of wildfire resilience. Together, they explore practical home hardening strategies, the power of community collaboration, and the often-overlooked complexities of the insurance claims process after a wildfire. Listeners will gain insight into how homeowners can take proactive steps to reduce risk, better understand their insurance policies, and improve their chances of recovery post-disaster. The discussion wraps with a strong call...
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Innovative Fire Detection with Firebird - Lindsey Firesense
All Things Wildfire Podcast
Innovative Wildfire Detection: How Firebird and Lindsey FireSense Are Changing Fire Prevention In this episode of All Things Wildfire, we sit down with Tim Dunfee, former deputy fire chief and now fire safety advocate at Lindsey FireSense, to explore a critical innovation in wildfire detection: The Firebird. With wildfires increasing in frequency and intensity—especially in high-risk areas like California—communities, homeowners, and insurers are searching for smarter, faster ways to detect and prevent fire damage. The Firebird is one such solution. Using thermal fire detection technology,...
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Navigating the Aftermath of the Palisades Fire
All Things Wildfire Podcast
In this conversation, OP Almaraz and Steve Severaid discuss the ongoing challenges faced by homeowners in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire. They delve into the complexities of insurance claims, the importance of understanding additional living expenses, and the unique difficulties associated with total losses. The conversation emphasizes the need for thorough documentation and proactive communication with insurance companies to navigate the recovery process effectively. They also highlight the long-term implications of rebuilding in affected areas and the importance of being prepared for...
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Wildfire Insurance is Broken: Here's how we're fixing it with WOWS Insurance
All Things Wildfire Podcast
California’s Homeowners Insurance is in Crisis Here’s What You Need to Know In this episode of All Things Wildfire, OP Almaraz sits down with Robert Feldman, CEO of WOWS Insurance, to break down the skyrocketing premiums, shrinking coverage options, and the wildfire-driven shakeup hitting California's insurance market. Robert Feldman is an insurance professional with nearly 25 years of experience. Robert’s specialty is insurance in fire zones and hard to place risks. As an industry professional, Robert has served as a speaker at the California Association of...
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The Race to Stop Wildfires: Drones, Sensors & the Future of Autonomous Firefighting
All Things Wildfire Podcast
What if we could detect and suppress wildfires within minutes—not hours? In this episode of All Things Wildfire, we sit down with Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Dryad Networks, to explore the cutting-edge technology redefining wildfire defense. From solar-powered IoT sensors that detect fires in their earliest stages to SilverGuard, an autonomous drone system poised to revolutionize fire suppression, this conversation dives deep into the future of wildfire resilience. We uncover how parametric insurance could reshape wildfire risk models and why collaboration between tech innovators and...
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Cracking the Code: Wildfire Insurance & Risk Mitigation
All Things Wildfire Podcast
In this conversation, OP Almaraz and Paul Brady discuss the complexities of wildfire risk and insurance. Paul shares his unique background in wildfire mitigation and how it informs his work at Green Shield Risk Solutions. They explore the challenges of modeling wildfire risk compared to other perils, the importance of understanding wildfire behavior, and the innovative solutions being developed to assess and mitigate these risks. The discussion emphasizes the need for better communication and understanding between insurance providers and homeowners regarding wildfire risks and safety measures....
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Wildfire Mitigation and Prevention for Community Managers
All Things Wildfire Podcast
In this episode of All Things Wildfire, we explore Wildfire Mitigation and Prevention for Community Managers, a crucial topic for those overseeing managed communities. Join Rich Snyder (Retired Fire Captain, Sierra Madre Fire Department) as they discuss best practices for reducing wildfire risks, improving insurability, and implementing effective fire prevention strategies. This course provides Community Managers with essential knowledge and strategies for wildfire mitigation and prevention in managed communities. Participants will learn best practices, insurance considerations, and...
info_outlineWe are excited to bring you the latest episode of "All Things Wildfire," where we dive into groundbreaking strategies and innovative partnerships aimed at tackling one of today's most pressing issues: wildfire prevention and management.
In this episode, join our host OP Almaraz as he sits down with two trailblazing leaders in the fight against wildfires:
Jeff Huebner, Chief Risk Officer at CSAA Insurance Group
Zach Knight, CEO of Blue Forest
Episode Highlights:
Dynamic Partnerships: Discover how CSAA and Blue Forest are joining forces to create impactful solutions in wildfire prevention through innovative financial and ecological strategies.
Wildfire Risk Management: Learn from Jeff Huebner about the proactive steps CSAA is taking to not only respond to but also prevent wildfires, ensuring safety and sustainability for Northern California communities.
Forest Resilience and Restoration: Zach Knight shares insights into Blue Forest's approach to ecosystem restoration and the significance of managing our public lands to reduce wildfire risks effectively.
California Wildfire Innovation Fund: Explore the goals and vision behind this collaborative fund designed to enhance forest management practices and drive sustainable solutions for wildfire challenges.
Practical Advice for Homeowners: Get practical tips on how to make your home more resistant to wildfires, along with details on financial incentives offered by CSAA for taking preventive measures.
Whether you're a homeowner, a real estate professional, or someone interested in environmental innovation, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration on how we can all contribute to a safer, more resilient future.