APCIA backs bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to tackle wildfire damage risks

The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry convened on March 6, 2025, to discuss the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act and strategies to mitigate catastrophic wildfires. Robert Gordon, Senior Vice President of Policy Research and International for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), emphasized the urgent need for this legislation in light of the devastating California wildfires, which resulted in economic losses estimated between $95 billion and $275 billion.

Gordon reported that insurers have already paid out over $6.9 billion to assist families and businesses affected by these fires, with total relief expected to reach between $40 billion and $50 billion. He highlighted a troubling trend: the average number of wildfires in the U.S. has remained around 70,000 annually, but the damage from catastrophic wildfires has surged, causing five times more destruction in the last decade compared to previous decades.

Several factors contribute to this increase in wildfire losses, including the construction of homes in high-risk areas, rising costs of building materials, and worsening weather conditions that exacerbate fire risks. Gordon noted that 87% of wildfires are caused by human activity, often linked to utility equipment failures during severe weather.

The Fix Our Forests Act aims to address these challenges by promoting proactive wildfire mitigation, enhancing disaster preparedness, and improving coordination among government agencies. Key provisions include support for fire-resistant building standards, better fuel reduction practices, and resilient utility infrastructure.

Gordon urged lawmakers to invest in wildfire mitigation upfront to prevent escalating costs for taxpayers and to protect communities from future disasters. He expressed APCIA's commitment to collaborating with Congress to advance the legislation and implement effective wildfire safety measures. The meeting underscored the critical need for comprehensive strategies to combat the growing threat of wildfires in the United States.