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 homeowners to policymakers, needs to rethink what it means to live safely in a changing climate. Whether you're in wildfire country or simply want to better understand the connection between education, climate change, and environmental resilience, this conversation offers an enlightening look at how climate literacy can shape a safer, more informed future.

Takeaways:

• Everyone needs climate literacy.
• Climate literacy is essential to living in the modern world.
• For 12,000 years, the climate was stable.
• We could expect the past to inform the future.
• Climate science helps us understand stability.
• Assumptions about climate were based on historical patterns.
• The changing climate requires new skills.
• Financial and digital literacy are not enough.
• Understanding climate change is a 21st-century skill.
• Education must adapt to include climate literacy.

From understanding shifting weather patterns to making smarter community and property decisions, this conversation reveals how education, awareness, and science can help us better navigate an unpredictable wildfire landscape.

This episode of All Things Wildfire serves as both a wake-up call and a guidepost for navigating wildfire disasters. Remember, preparation and community effort are key to reducing future risks. For more tips and updates, follow us on social media and visit our website.

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.

Wildfire insurance premiums are increasing due to multiple factors:

• Climate change is driving more frequent and severe wildfires.

• Inflation has pushed up construction and repair costs.

• Outdated regulations under Proposition 103 have made it difficult for insurers to adapt pricing to today's risks.

Sharon explains why Prop 103 needs modernization to better protect homeowners and keep insurance available in high-risk fire zones.

Proposition 103 is a decades-old regulation that governs how insurance rates are approved in California. While it was designed to protect consumers, many experts argue it hasn't evolved to address the current wildfire landscape. Modernizing Prop 103 could help stabilize the insurance market while ensuring fair treatment for policyholders.

The Safer from Wildfires program is a state-led initiative to improve home resilience against wildfire damage. By completing specific home-hardening measures, homeowners may:

• Reduce their risk of fire damage.

• Qualify for potential insurance discounts.

• Increase their chances of keeping existing coverage.

For homeowners unable to find traditional coverage, the California Fair Plan acts as a safety net. However, it's meant as a temporary solution. Modernizing the Fair Plan is essential, especially for high-value homes that require broader protection.

Understanding the difference between admitted insurance carriers (regulated by the state) and non-admitted carriers (not backed by the state's guarantee fund) is critical when comparing wildfire insurance policies. Sharon provides insights on the pros and cons of each option.

Smoke damage after a wildfire can create serious health hazards. The California Department of Insurance has established a task force to address smoke remediation standards, helping homeowners get better results from their claims and contractors.

Sharon discusses new legislative proposals designed to:

• Ease the recovery process after a wildfire.

• Improve claims handling by insurance companies.

• Provide more resources to homeowners navigating wildfire-related claims.

The California Department of Insurance offers free resources to help property owners understand their rights, find coverage, and take preventive measures.

Join the Conversation:
What challenges are you facing with wildfire insurance in California? Share your experiences in the comments below or reach out to us for support.

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 to action—resilience isn't optional, it's essential.

• Wildfires as Wake-Up Calls:
  Recent wildfire events have highlighted the urgent need for communities to act before disaster strikes.

• Home Hardening Musts:
  Learn how features like ember-resistant vents, non-combustible materials, and defensible space can dramatically reduce wildfire risk.

• Insurance Gaps & Misconceptions:
  Many homeowners are unaware of what's actually covered—understanding your policy is critical.

• The Claims Process:
  Why documentation matters and how being unprepared can delay or reduce your claim.

• The Role of Community:
  Fire resilience goes beyond individual homes—neighborhoods that collaborate are safer.

• Preparedness is Prevention:
  Investing in wildfire prevention today means fewer losses tomorrow.

• Education is Lacking:
  Despite growing threats, awareness and understanding of wildfire preparedness remain low.

• Wildfires should be a trigger for action, not reaction.

• Home hardening and defensible space are foundational to fire resilience.

• Don't wait until disaster hits—document home contents now.

• Know your policy. Know your risk.

• Community-wide strategies are the future of wildfire prevention.