VIDEO: Prime wildfire season in California is not far off, and a new state bill could give homeowners cash to help fireproof their properties. The measure would offer grants to low- and moderate-income property owners living in high fire risk areas. Advocates hope the proposed bill could help thousands of homeowners keep their insurance policies.
“I have this at the ready at any moment if I need to leave the house,” said Ryan Hughes. Hughes said he’s been evacuated from his Santa Rosa home so many times due to wildfire, he’s got essentials standing by in the garage if it ever happens again. “I have trees right next to my house,” Hughes said.
Trimming or removing trees, even fireproofing your roof can of course be pricey. A new state assembly bill, dubbed the “California Safe Homes Act,” could provide grant money to low-to-moderate income property owners to make fire-safe improvements to their homes. “No one’s going to turn down money. I am a little skeptical when the government does anything,” Hughes said.
For homeowners to qualify for the funds, they need to live within a high or very high fire risk zone as determined by CAL FIRE. The state insurance department would distribute the grant funds.
