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Portola Valley wildfire committee urges neighborhood ‘Firewise’ push as insurance pressures grow
Summary
The town’s Wildfire Preparedness Committee told the council its top priority is achieving broad Firewise neighborhood participation after an insurance-tracking survey found many nonrenewals and large premium increases; the committee seeks funding and help recruiting block leaders and outreach.
MJ Craig, chair of Portola Valley’s Wildfire Preparedness Committee, told the Town Council that the committee’s top priority for 2025 is expanding neighborhood-level Firewise participation to reduce wildfire risk and help relieve homeowners’ insurance pressures.
The committee conducted an insurance-tracking inquiry covering 2020–2025 that drew 117 responses. Craig said the small sample is not statistically representative but raised alarm: 54 respondents reported cancellations or nonrenewals and roughly 30% reported being placed on the FAIR Plan. Respondents reported premium increases ranging from about 10% to as much as 370%.
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