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 the challenges ahead. This conversation delves into the complexities of insurance and the impact of wildfires on communities. It discusses the new legislation regarding insurance replacement policies, the challenges of underinsurance, and the importance of accurate coverage. The speakers emphasize the need for homeowners to conduct annual policy reviews and understand the implications of their insurance decisions. They also explore the financial challenges faced by homeowners post-wildfire and the ongoing need for awareness and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the Palisades Fire Impact
03:01 Navigating Insurance Challenges Post-Fire
06:04 Understanding Additional Living Expenses
09:02 Total Losses and Rebuilding Challenges
12:11 The Importance of Documentation and Digital Scans
14:59 The Long Road to Recovery
17:53 The Future of Rebuilding in Affected Areas
29:41 The Impact of Wildfires on Communities
31:58 New Legislation and Insurance Replacement Policies
34:28 Understanding Insurance Limits and Underinsurance
36:39 The Importance of Accurate Insurance Coverage
41:05 Annual Policy Reviews and Homeowner Responsibilities
43:45 Risk Transfer and the Value of Insurance
44:25 Mortgage Implications After a Loss
48:04 Navigating Financial Challenges Post-Wildfire
51:34 The Ongoing Need for Awareness and Preparedness

Takeaways

The Palisades Fire has created a complex recovery situation for homeowners.
Insurance companies respond differently to claims, complicating the process.
Homeowners must advocate for their specific needs during recovery.
Environmental contaminants pose new challenges for cleaning and restoration.
Patience is essential when dealing with insurance claims post-fire.
Additional living expenses can be negotiated with insurance companies.
Total losses present unique challenges in the rebuilding process.
Documentation, including digital scans, is crucial for claims.
Communication with insurance adjusters must be documented to avoid issues later.
Rebuilding in affected areas will take time and may be chaotic. People are selling their homes due to the impact of wildfires.
New legislation allows homeowners to buy new properties without land value deductions.
Many homeowners are underinsured, leading to financial challenges after a loss.
Insurance policies often do not reflect the true cost of rebuilding.
Homeowners should conduct annual reviews of their insurance policies.
Extended replacement costs should not be relied upon for coverage calculations.
Insurance is a risk transfer tool that protects homeowners financially.
Mortgage companies typically hold insurance payouts in trust accounts during rebuilding.
Some homeowners are considering selling their lots after a loss.
Awareness and preparedness are crucial for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.

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 Realtors. Robert travels the state educating realtors about how to secure insurance for homes that are deemed uninsurable. Robert serves on many task forces and insurance panels, working directly with senior leadership of many insurance carriers to solve the state’s current insurance crisis. To that end, Robert is the founder of WOWS Insurance Services, designed to deliver insurance solutions for large homes that struggle to secure insurance in California.

OP and Robert dive into the WOWS Insurance program, a bold initiative aiming to transform how high-risk homes stay insured.

You’ll learn:

Why fire hardening is no longer optional

The difference between admitted vs. non-admitted insurance

What the California FAIR Plan doesn’t cover

The hidden power of realtors in keeping homes insurable

Why neighbor collaboration and annual mitigation are now essential

Whether you're a homeowner, broker, or real estate pro — this episode is your wake-up call.

Subscribe for more wildfire defense strategies and real estate risk insights.

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 insurance providers is essential. Carsten shares Dryad’s bold vision: a world where wildfires are extinguished before they can spread—using AI, sound wave suppression, and a fast-reacting web of intelligent systems.

Key Takeaways: Dryad’s SilverNet detects ignition in minutes—before smoke is even visible. 85% of wildfires are caused by human activity, increasing the need for early intervention. Parametric insurance may unlock faster claims and incentivize prevention tech. Autonomous drones and sound wave suppression may be the future of firefighting. A call for industry collaboration to achieve fully integrated wildfire response systems. If you're in wildfire prevention, insurance, or technology—this is a must-listen episode.

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. In this conversation, Paul Brady and OP Almaraz discuss the complexities of insurance coverage in wildfire-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of community efforts, vegetation management, and the role of designations like Firewise. They explore the challenges faced by homeowners with high-value properties, the dynamics of the real estate market, and the future of insurance models in the context of increasing wildfire risks. Innovations in insurance products aimed at high-value homes are also highlighted, along with the need for standardized mitigation practices to restore confidence in the insurance market.

Highlights:

• Paul Brady has a unique background in wildfire mitigation and insurance.
• There is a significant gap in the insurance industry's understanding of wildfire risk.
• Wildfire risk modeling is more complex than modeling for other perils like floods.
• Wildfire behavior is influenced by topography, weather, and fuels.
• The radiant heat from a wildfire can cause significant damage to nearby structures.
• Green Shield Risk Solutions aims to make homes more insurable against wildfires.
• Their technology utilizes updated aerial imagery for risk assessment.
• Homeowners can order wildfire risk reports directly from Green Shield.
• Defensible space around properties is crucial for wildfire safety.
• Community efforts are essential in mitigating wildfire risks. HOAs can benefit from hiring firms to visualize community impact.
• Firewise designation can positively influence insurance coverage.
• Reducing vegetation can lower risk assessment models over time.
• High-value properties face unique insurance challenges post-wildfire.
• The real estate market is affected by insurance availability and risk perception.
• Wildfire risk is becoming a nationwide concern, not just localized.
• Insurance companies are hesitant to insure properties in high-risk areas.
• Standardizing mitigation practices is crucial for restoring insurance confidence.
• Innovative insurance products are being developed for high-value homes.
• Community efforts in wildfire mitigation can lead to better insurance outcomes.

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.

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 practical methods to reduce wildfire risk and protect properties.

Course Modules:

1. Introduction to Wildfire Risk
   • Overview of wildfire threats to managed communities
   • Importance of proactive mitigation strategies
2. Best Practices for Wildfire Prevention
   • Community-wide strategies
   • Resident education and engagement
   • Creating and maintaining defensible spaces
3. Insurance Considerations
   • Dealing with rate increases
   • Strategies to improve insurability
   • Working with insurance providers
4. The Community Manager's Role
   • Coordinating mitigation efforts
   • Communication with residents and board members
   • Implementing and enforcing fire safety policies
5. Wildfire Mitigation Techniques
   • Home hardening strategies
   • Vegetation management in individual properties and common areas
   • Long-term fire retardant applications
6. Understanding Wildfire Damage
   • How most homes are damaged during wildfires
   • Preventing secondary damage (water systems, etc.)

To earn CAMICB continuing education credits for this course:

1. Listen for the 4-digit code announced throughout the podcast.
2. Visit allthingswildfire.com/cecredits.
3. Submit the code in the form to verify completion.

This episode is packed with actionable insights that will help community managers make informed decisions and protect the properties they oversee. Tune in now and take the next step in wildfire preparedness!

This episode of All Things Wildfire serves as both a wake-up call and a guidepost for navigating wildfire disasters. Remember, preparation and

Podcast Summary

In this episode of All Things Wildfire, we dive deep into groundbreaking wildfire protection technology with Gadi, co-founder of FireDome (Adi Naor Pomerantz, co-founder), and Wade White, retired Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Gadi, a former Israeli Defense Intelligence officer, discusses how military-grade technology is being applied to wildfire mitigation, inspired by Israel’s renowned Iron Dome missile defense system.

FireDome is a revolutionary autonomous wildfire suppression system that detects spot fires in seconds and launches fire-retardant capsules to extinguish them before they spread. The discussion explores the challenges of integrating new technology into the fire service, the growing need for proactive wildfire protection, and the potential impact on high-risk properties, businesses, and entire communities.

With insights from Wade, who led innovations like the first robotic firefighter in LA, this episode highlights how technology can disrupt traditional firefighting methods and provide property owners with a powerful new defense against wildfires.

• Gadi - Co-Founder of FireDome, former Israeli Defense Intelligence officer
• Wade White - Retired Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department

Topics Covered: The inspiration behind FireDome and its military-tech roots
- How FireDome detects and suppresses fires within seconds
- Challenges of introducing disruptive technology to firefighting
- The growing need for private wildfire protection solutions
- Why high-net-worth homeowners and businesses are looking for alternatives to costly insurance
- Future vision: Deploying FireDome across wildfire-prone regions

Notable Quotes: "We don’t have to put our lives at risk anymore. We can let technology protect us from wildfires."

"FireDome creates an invisible shield around properties, launching fire-retardant capsules in seconds—just like Iron Dome intercepts missiles."

"This isn’t just about detection; it’s about reaction. We’re bringing innovation to wildfire suppression in real-time."

⏳ 00:02 - 00:15 | How FireDome creates a protective barrier using fire-retardant capsules
⏳ 00:15 - 00:43 | The role of real-time fire suppression and why current methods fall short
⏳ 00:57 - 02:28 | Why insurance brokers, real estate agents, and government agencies should pay attention to FireDome
⏳ 05:03 - 09:08 | How Gadi’s military background led to the development of FireDome
⏳ 09:32 - 13:31 | How Wade pioneered robotic firefighting technology in Los Angeles
⏳ 17:00 - 22:00 | The mechanics of FireDome: Detection, launching capsules, and stopping fires before they spread
⏳ 27:14 - 30:50 | How FireDome could be a game-changer for vineyards, hospitals, and HOAs
⏳ 33:53 - 37:11 | When FireDome will be available in the U.S.

🔥 Final Thought:
Wildfires are not going away. It’s time to rethink our approach and invest in proactive protection that saves lives, properties, and communities.

This powerful episode of All Things Wildfire brings together firsthand accounts, expert insights, and actionable advice following one of the most devastating wildfire weeks in Southern California. Featuring Rich Snyder, a pioneer in wildfire mitigation, and the team at Allied Restoration & Allied Disaster Defense, the conversation dives deep into the emotional toll, the importance of community preparedness, and the practical steps homeowners can take to protect their properties. Whether you're in an affected area or looking to prevent future disasters, this episode offers invaluable resources and hope in the face of destruction.

Highlight:
"Even the most prepared individual can feel powerless in the face of a wildfire. This episode reminds us of the importance of faith, community, and proactive action in mitigating these disasters."

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction
   • Overview of the devastating wildfire week.
   • Guests: OP Almaraz, Tim Bauer and Stewart Barrios, experts in disaster prevention.
2. Rich Snyder's Story
   • A deeply personal account of combating wildfire in his own neighborhood.
   • Emotional and spiritual resilience in the face of destruction.
3. Homeowner Preparedness Tips
   • DIY wildfire prevention: vegetation management, ember-resistant vents, and the importance of fire retardant.
   • The critical importance of documenting damage before cleaning.
4. Community Impacts
   • Stories of loss and recovery in Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas.
   • The ripple effects of community-wide devastation on schools, businesses, and daily life.
5. Insights on Insurance and Recovery
   • Navigating underinsurance challenges.
   • Understanding policy buckets and working with brokers.
   • Avoiding pitfalls with unscrupulous actors during claims.
6. What You Can Do
   • Proactive measures for wildfire prevention.
   • The importance of community involvement and joining fire safety councils.
7. Gratitude and Hope
   • A heartfelt thank you to first responders and volunteers.
   • Spotlight on the The Passionate Life Foundation and its efforts to assist those affected.

Practical Tools and Apps:

• Watch Duty: A real-time wildfire tracking app for staying informed.
• California Fire Safe Council: Resources for community prevention initiatives.

DIY Resources:

• Ember-resistant vent installation (AlliedDisasterDefense.com)
• Home hardening tips (CalFire Ready for Wildfire).

Recommended Reading:

• "Wildfire Ready: Homeowner’s Guide to Prevention and Mitigation" (CalFire resource).

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.