The Coconino County Board of Supervisors convened on September 9, 2025, to address the pressing issue of wildfire risk and its impact on homeowners' insurance availability and affordability. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for community collaboration and proactive measures to mitigate wildfire threats, particularly in areas like Flagstaff, which ranks in the 96th percentile for wildfire risk nationally.

During the session, Lucinda Andriani, the Flood Control District Administrator, emphasized the reality of wildfire threats, noting that many residents have recently faced insurance cancellations or significant rate increases. This situation has prompted the county to develop educational initiatives aimed at informing the public about wildfire risks and potential mitigation strategies.

Ethan Auman, Senior Director for Environmental Issues and Resiliency with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, presented insights into the insurance industry's perspective on wildfire risks. He explained that rising insurance rates are largely driven by increasing natural disaster losses, inflation, and demographic shifts toward high-risk areas. Auman stressed the importance of mitigation efforts, such as home hardening and community preparedness, to improve insurability and reduce costs.

The meeting also announced a follow-up session scheduled for September 30, focusing on home hardening strategies. This session will feature experts from the Institute for Business and Home Safety, who will provide guidance on how homeowners can enhance their properties' resilience against wildfires.

Supervisors raised concerns about the challenges faced by homeowners who are actively working to create defensible spaces around their properties but still struggle to obtain insurance. Auman acknowledged these difficulties and suggested that homeowners should work closely with independent insurance agents familiar with the local market to explore various coverage options.

The discussion underscored the need for a collaborative approach involving homeowners, insurance companies, and local governments to effectively address wildfire risks. As Coconino County continues to navigate this crisis, the focus remains on fostering community resilience and ensuring that residents can secure affordable insurance coverage while protecting their homes from the growing threat of wildfires.