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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApprove Response Letter to 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jur 61INGT,0 2000 Main Street, ` `4 .7,0V' Huntington Beach,CA f 92648 City of Huntington Beach•92c c APPROVED 7-0 �ouNry File #: 26-583 MEETING DATE: 7/21/2026 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager VIA: Eric McCoy, Fire Chief PREPARED BY: Kevin Justen, Senior Management Analyst Subject: Approve response letter to the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report "Wildfires Hit Home" and forward to the Presiding Judge Statement of Issue: Transmitted for City Council consideration is a response letter to the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report entitled "Wildfires Hit Home," and authorize the Mayor to sign the attached transmittal letter to The Honorable Sheila F. Hanson, Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05, the City must respond to the Grand Jury's findings and recommendations within 90 days of publication (by August 18, 2026). Financial Impact: There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Recommended Action: A) Approve the City's response letter with findings and recommendations to the Orange County Grand Jury Report entitled "Wildfires Hit Home"; and B) Authorize the Mayor to submit the response letter to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court. Alternative Action(s): The City Council may take the following alternative action: Amend the response letter prior to submitting it to the Presiding Judge. Pursuant to state law, the City must submit a response within 90 days. Analysis: In 2025-26, the Orange County Grand Jury prepared the report "Wildfires Hit Home" (Attachment 1). City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 2 Printed on 7/15/2026 powered by LegistarT"^ 212 File #: 26-583 MEETING DATE: 7/21/2026 It includes findings and recommendations regarding wildfire risk, prevention, and community engagement in Orange County. Report highlights include: • The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Orange County, especially in wildland urban interface areas • The designation of a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ) within Huntington Beach • The importance of defensible space inspection programs, community outreach, and participation in countywide wildfire prevention initiatives • Recommendations for increased community engagement, annual wildfire prevention fairs, and promotion of programs, such as Safer from Wildfires and AB 888 As required by California Penal Code Section 933.05, the City's formal responses must be reviewed and approved by the City Council. The proposed responses are shown in Attachment 2 and address the findings and recommendations, demonstrating agreement with the Grand Jury's concerns. They also outline ongoing and planned actions to mitigate wildfire risk and enhance community resilience. Report instructions state that a transmittal letter with the City's responses is required to be submitted to The Honorable Sheila F. Hanson, Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court (Attachment 3). A PowerPoint presentation is included as Attachment 4. Approval of the responses to the Grand Jury report will ensure the City's compliance with statutory requirements and reaffirm Huntington Beach's proactive stance on wildfire risk reduction. Environmental Status: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project. Strategic Plan Goal: Non Applicable -Administrative Item Attachment(s): 1. Orange County Grand Jury Report "Wildfires Hit Home" 2. City Council Responses to the 2025 Grand Jury Report 3. Transmittal Letter from Mayor McKeon to the Honorable Sheila F. Hanson 4. PowerPoint Presentation City of Huntington Beach Page 2 of 2 Printed on 7/15/2026 powered by Legistarr"" 213 NCjp CITY OF k or.a►...,,,( " ) �,ti�vi rQ HUNTINGTON BEACH � r�yr 'Tf tkt ZcFcou \-0-°� Casey McKeon I Mayor July 23, 2026 Presiding Judge Superior Court of California, County of Orange Office of the Grand Jury 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: HUNTINGTON BEACH RESPONSE TO GRAND JURY REPORT Honorable Judge, On behalf of the City Council and with the support of the Huntington Beach Fire Department, I am pleased to submit Huntington Beach's formal response to the Orange County Grand Jury's report, "Wildfires Hit Home."The attached document, reviewed and approved by the City Council, addresses each finding and recommendation as required. We recognize the Grand Jury's concerns regarding the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Orange County, particularly in wildiand-urban interface areas. With the release of updated Local Responsibility Area maps, Huntington Beach now includes a designated High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ). While our city faces a lower wildfire hazard compared to other Orange County communities, we remain vigilant and proactive in our approach. The Fire Department has implemented a defensible space inspection program and maintains robust community outreach program. We are committed to expanding outreach to all affected residents and participating in countywide wildfire prevention initiatives. We agree with the Grand Jury's findings and support recommendations for increased community engagement, participation in annual wildfire prevention fairs, and promotion of programs such as Safer from Wildfires and AB 888. Huntington Beach will continue to provide residents with the knowledge and resources needed to reduce fire risk and maintain resilient communities. Thank you for the opportunity to respond. We look forward to continued collaboration Office: (714)536—5237 I 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov tl oulA4 CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH and communication to protect Huntington Beach and Orange County residents. Sincerely, Casey McKeon Mayor Enclosure: Huntington Beach's Required Responses from "Wildfire Hits Home" cc: Orange County Board of Supervisors City Council City Manager Fire Chief Office: (714)536—5553 I 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov } : $ ) Required Response to the Grand Jury Findings and 1\NAT OM 4•4t_ � = Recommendations in "Wildfires Hit Home" FIRE Background The City of Huntington Beach is impacted by wildfires and,with the release of updated Local Responsibility Area(LRA)maps in 2025,now contains a designated High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ)within its jurisdiction.This zone includes 217 parcels, primarily consisting of single-family homes and a small number of condominium-style apartments,all of which must comply with HFHSZ requirements. To meet the mandates imposed on HFHSZs and reduce wildfire risk to the community,the Huntington Beach Fire Department(HBFD)conducted a robust public engagement and comment process. We subsequently issued a non-codified ordinance adopting the CalFire maps(Ordinance No.4336). Following adoption of the maps,the HBFD developed a defensible space inspection program to document findings and issue reports as required by Civil Code 1102.19.The purpose of these inspections is to assess compliance with home hardening and defensible space standards.While current regulations do not require property owners to implement the recommendations,the inspection reviews defensible space conditions and home-hardening measures that can reduce the risk of wildfire loss and educates affected property owners of the interventions to reduce risk. A significant portion of the HFHSZ is in the Brightwater neighborhood on the bluffs above the Bolsa Chica wetlands. In 2020,a brush fire occurred in the wetlands near the Brightwater development, burning 62 acres and advancing toward the Brightwater community. Prior to annexation in 2020, Brightwater was under OCFA jurisdiction,which required a fuel modification plan to protect the development. In 2016,the Fire Department reissued the OCFA fuel modification permit,and it is now enforced by HBFD.This fuel modification,in combination with the rapid response of our firefighters,is credited with preventing the destruction of homes in the area. The city's response to the Grand Jury's request for agreements on the findings is based on a general knowledge of the impact of wildland fires in our State and County. Having a relatively small HFHSZ and no VHFHSZs, Huntington Beach homeowners have significantly less hazard compared to other Orange County cities with Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones(VHFHSZ). We remain engaged with our community and will continue to ensure that our residents have the knowledge and resources to reduce fire risk and maintain robust wildfire prevention interventions to combat the rising costs of insurance. Findings Finding Fl More frequent and severe wildfires driven by increasingly hotter, drier,and windier conditions in the Orange County wildland-urban interface are escalating impacts on financial and non-financial resources.Among the financial costs are dramatic increases in homeowners'insurance premiums, on renewals,and inability to obtain insurance. City Council Response:Agree The City is aware of reports indicating that homeowner's insurance premiums are increasing for properties located within High Fire Severity Zones in California.After consulting with members of the Brightwater HOA,which comprises the largest part of the HFHSZ,we are not currently aware of specific homeowners experiencing increased premiums due to the wildfire hazards. Finding F2 Actions that address conditions in the home ignition zone to significantly reduce ignition potential can prevent a community wildland-urban interface fire disaster or suburban conflagration. City Council Response:Agree The City agrees that proper maintenance of the Home Ignition Zone can significantly reduce the potential for a home to ignite during a wildland fire event. The HBFD will continue to enforce the Brightwater Fuel Modification Plan,which incorporates a fire-safe home ignition zone requirements,and will continue providing wildland safety information to residents city-wide. Finding F3 Expanded community engagement to raise awareness and provide support regarding home hardening and defensible space will increase the effectiveness of wildfire risk mitigation and insurance risk reduction efforts. City Council Response:Agree Community education and engagement are essential components of wildfire risk reduction, empowering homeowners to harden their homes, maintain defensible space,and improve the overall resilience of their properties. The HBFD maintains educational materials on the City's web site and will continue expanding outreach efforts through public events,fairs and community meetings such as HOA gatherings to directly engage affected residents. Finding F4 Achieving community-level and property-level wildfire risk mitigation designations(such as Fire wise USA Site,Fire Risk Reduction Community, or Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety certification)reduces wildfire risk and helps lower insurance premiums. City Council Response:Agree The City agrees that community-level wildfire mitigation efforts have the potential to reduce risk and, in turn, may contribute to lower insurance premiums. The HBFD permitted Brightwater Fuel Modification Plan already includes a community requirement to maintain defensible space adjacent to the homes bordering the Bolsa Chica Nature Preserve. The HBFD will continue to promote community-wide mitigation in our outreach. Finding F5 All county residents should be aware that Safer from Wildfire regulations require insurers to offer discounts to homeowners and communities implementing home-hardening and defensible-space measures, regardless of whether the property is located in a Fire Hazard SeverityZone. City Council Response:Agree The City concurs that insurers should offer discounts to homeowners that implement home- hardening and defensible-space measures. The City has already provided this information to the Brightwater HOA and will further promote Safer from Wildfire regulations to the broader community, particularly homeowners in the HFHSZ. Finding F6 AB 888, the California Safe Homes Grant Program,provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners,cities, counties,and special districts for home-hardening and defensible-space measures.Applying for and using these grant funds will reduce wildfire losses and improve insurability and resilience in vulnerable communities. City Council Response:Agree The City agrees that AB 888 represents a valuable tool for reducing wildfire risk through targeted investments in home hardening and defensible space improvements. We will continue sharing grant information with our community through various communication channels including print materials,social media,Orange County wildfire fairs,and HOA presentations. Recommendations Recommendation R2 By December 31,2026,cities and fire service agencies,including the Orange County Fire Authority, should commit to participation in a countywide annual wildfire prevention fair planned by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to showcase wildfire prevention outreach programs.[F1-F6] City Council Response: Will be implemented HBFD,the lead department, is prepared to participate in a countywide annual wildfire prevention fair in the near future.We will encourage all residents—especially those living in the HFHSZ—to attend. Recommendation R4 By December 31,2026, to ensure city residents are engaged and aware of wildfire risk reduction resources, OCFA member and non-member cities should distribute information, develop their own outreach programs,and establish a direct point of contact for residents,in addition to providing referrals to OCFA programs.[F1-F6] City Council Response: Will be implemented HBFD created a Wildland Fire Hazard Severity Zone webpage on the department's website.The page provides information on defensible space requirements,home hardening strategies, building requirements within the HFHSZ,and instructions for requesting a defensible space inspection from HBFD staff. In addition to the website,HBFD staff maintain direct contact with affected target residents such as the Brightwater HOA to ensure residents are aware of the hazards associated with the nearby severity zone. Staff have not yet established formal outreach for other areas within the HFHSZ,and the HBFD will continue to improve their outreach. HBFD staff also regularly engage with individuals concerned about brush fires in open-space areas with heavy fuels—such as Central Park South—even when those areas fall outside the HFHSZ. HBFD's Community Risk Reduction Division is responsible for this outreach.The goal is to expand outreach beyond the Brightwater HOA to all single-family homes, condominiums,and apartment communities in the HFHSZ to provide education on defensible space,home hardening,and wildfire risk reduction best practices. Since the law does not require home hardening or individual property defensible space in the current law for HFHSZs,we provide information on options to reduce the risk of wildfire damage using proven techniques and technologies. 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Wildfires Hit Home ,-t. - oie, Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 c.9LJFORt�� 214 This page left intentionally blank so the first page starts to the right 215 Wildfires Hit Home TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY 5 BACKGROUND 6 REASON FOR STUDY 9 METHOD OF STUDY 9 INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS 10 FINDINGS 31 RECOMMENDATIONS 32 COMMENDATIONS 33 REQUIRED RESPONSES 34 Acronyms 41 Glossary 43 Bibliography 45 Appendix A 50 Appendix B 53 Appendix C 55 Appendix D 56 Appendix E 58 Appendix F 61 Appendix G 63 FIGURES Figure 1 Map of Eaton and Palisades Fires in January 2025 7 Figure 2 Shared responsibility for risk reduction in wildland-urban interface areas 11 Figure 3 WUI and suburban conflagration fire disaster chain of events. 13 Figure 4 Example of an Orange County City LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map 16 Figure 5 Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Defensible Zones 0, 1, and 2 18 Figure 6 Total FAIR Plan Dwelling and Commercial Policies Have Increased, September 2023 to September 2025 20 Figure 7 City Area Reported in Fire Hazard Severity Zones 26 Figure 8 Cities Reporting Achieved, Applied for, or Plan to Apply for a Community- Level Wildfire Risk Mitigation Designation 27 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 3 of 74 216 Wildfires Hit Home Figure 9 Cities Reporting Outreach Program to Provide Information and Guidance to Property Owners on Wildfire Risk Mitigation Measures and/or Grants 28 Figure 10 Cities Reporting Their Outreach Program Refers to Orange County Fire Authority Outreach Programs and Resources 29 Figure 11 Top 20 Deadliest California Wildfires 50 Figure 12 Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires 51 Figure 13 Large Fires 300 Acres and Greater- State and Contract Counties Direct Protection Area 52 Figure 14 Orange County Wildfires by Size 52 Figure 15 Safer from Wildfires Flyer, Page 1 53 Figure 16 Safer from Wildfires Flyer, Page 2 54 Figure 17 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map of Orange County 55 Figure 18 Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Disclosure, Page 1 56 Figure 19 Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Disclosure, Page 2 57 Figure 20 California Property and Casualty Insurance Company Homeowners Premium and Loss 58 Figure 21 FAIR Plan Data for Orange County Zip Codes 90620 - 92679 59 Figure 22 FAIR Plan Data for Orange County Zip Codes 92680 -92899 60 Figure 23 Orange County Fire Authority Covered Cities 61 Figure 24 Orange County Fire Jurisdictions 62 Figure 25 Ready, Set Go! Flyer for Immediate Zone 63 Figure 26 Ready, Set, Go! Flyer on Defensible Space 64 Figure 27 Ready, Set, Go! Flyer for Home Hardening, Page 1 65 Figure 28 Ready, Set, Go! Flyer for Home Hardening, Page 2 66 Figure 29 Ready, Set, Go! Flyer on Vegetation Management 67 Figure 30 Ready, Set, Go! On Be Ember Aware 68 Figure 31 Ready, Set, Go! Flyer on Home Assessment 69 Figure 32 Ready, Set, Go! Flyer on Wildfire Home Risk Assessment, Page 1 70 Figure 33 Ready, Set, Go! Flyer on Wildfire Home Risk Assessment, Page 2 71 Figure 34 Zone 0 At-A-Glance, Page 1 72 Figure 35 Zone 0 At-A-Glance, Page 2 73 Page 4 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 217 Wildfires Hit Home SUMMARY Wildfires have become a fact of life in California. Persistent drought conditions and accelerated warming have led to an increase in wildfires throughout the state. Of the twenty most destructive wildfires in California history, fifteen have occurred in the last ten years (see Appendix A). From the Camp Fire, also referred to as the Paradise Fire, in Northern California to the Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles and the Airport Fire in Orange County, the tragic loss of life and the destruction of thousands of homes and structures have upended homeowners' lives and rocked the insurance industry with billions of dollars in claims just in the last few years. These conditions have made home insurance unaffordable or unavailable for many Orange County residents. The State of California has attempted over recent years to mitigate the impact on ratepayers and insurers and has provided tougher regulations for hardening homes and property. Both the California legislature and the California Department of Insurance have issued recent laws and regulations to address these issues. Significant for this report are Safer from Wildfires (2022), California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan (1968, revised 2025), Assembly Bill 888 (2025) and California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (2025). The California FAIR Plan was established in 1968 to provide basic insurance for property owners who could not obtain fire coverage through the traditional insurance market due to being in high-risk fire areas. The FAIR Plan is not a state agency, and it receives no taxpayer funding. It is a syndicated fire insurance pool made up of all insurers licensed to write property/casualty insurance in the state. The FAIR Plan is intended to be the insurer of last resort and is meant to be a temporary safety net helping property owners until they can transition back to the traditional insurance market. The numerous fires over the last few years coupled with private insurers leaving the California market or no longer insuring homes in high-risk areas, have resulted in the FAIR Plan being financially strained with the number of policies more than doubling since September 2023.1 The State Legislature and Department of Insurance both responded with strategies to rebalance this problem requiring insurers to increase the number of policies issued in high-risk areas and to change the way rates are established, however, insurance companies, using loopholes in the legislation, have so far largely avoided meeting the goals set for them.2 The Safer from Wildfires regulation was issued by the Insurance Commissioner after development in partnership with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The regulation mandates 1 Key Statistics & Data. The California FAIR Plan. https://www.cfonet.com/key-statistics-data/ 2 The New York Times, California Promised Insurance Relief, But Delivered Loopholes, Nov. 2, 2025. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 5 of 74 218 Wildfires Hit Home that insurance companies provide rate discounts for various actions that property owners take to create defensible space and harden their homes against wildfires (see Appendix B). AB888, the California Safe Homes Grant Program, aims to reduce wildfire losses, improve insurability and resilience of vulnerable communities, and support home hardening efforts to help residents qualify for insurance premium incentives. It provides grants to aid qualifying residents and communities to complete wildfire risk mitigation measures. The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) refers to the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 7. Effective in January 2026, the CWUIC requires fire- resistant and ignition-resistant construction in Fire Hazard Severity Zones or the wildland-urban interface. Requirements were also established for vegetation and hazard mitigation in the same areas. Studies have definitively shown that implementing these home hardening and defensible space requirements, including retrofitting existing homes, will greatly reduce ignition and fire spread, thereby reducing damage and resulting claims. Compliance with the 2015 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) could save $4 for every $1 invested and retrofitting structures to the IWUIC could provide from $2 to as much as $8 in benefits for each $1 invested.3 Home hardening and defensible space measures that align with wildland-urban interface codes and Safer from Wildfires regulations will help save homeowners and insurance companies from catastrophic loss. The 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury found evidence that clearly shows Safer from Wildfires home hardening and defensible space measures protect homes and communities, saving homeowners, local governments, and fire authorities as well as insurance companies from catastrophic loss while also providing discounts for homeowners' insurance premiums. BACKGROUND California's Wildfire Crisis and Insurance Impact California faces an escalating wildfire crisis fueled by accelerated warming, prolonged droughts, increasingly windy conditions, and expanded development into fire-prone areas. Between 2015 and 2025, 15 of the 20 most destructive wildfires in state history 3 National Institute of Building Science, Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves. 2019. https://nibs.org/wp- content/uploads/2025/04/NIBS MMC MitigationSaves 2019-1.pdf.Accessed March 3, 2026. Page 6 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 219 Wildfires Hit Home occurred, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires in 2025. These events have caused loss of life, devastated communities, destroyed thousands of homes, and resulted in billions in insured losses (see Appendix A). The Eaton Fire in January 2025, spread through the suburbs of Pasadena destroying 9,413 structures and burning 14,021 acres. It became Los Angeles County's most destructive and second deadliest fire with 19 fatalities (see Appendix A). On the same day in January 2025, the Palisades Fires swept through Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu, consuming 6,833 homes and 23,707 acres. It became Los Angeles County's third-most destructive fire and third deadliest with 12 fatalities (see Appendix A). Both fires were fueled by strong Santa Ana winds of between 80-100 mph, extremely dry conditions, and dense vegetation, creating what officials called a "perfect storm" for wildfire spread.4,5 +... LG 1♦ 6®d .•,`•." < Fv Sh It T acw care can t ® , t ... �cr usn_ Re eai on canter ®� � �0- + d O a i yak P k 0 D . ..$ a s a ooruay Fire e i c rEO,. PAS SSW �.', sw Hv t "_.. ,203 L rn -11—C=',,+gtiss en how :_. �` ° ®° Snehegeon;hal,es " ct." ..f°Y.coo. ra ' A',;',Z6. 11 1-4,-;;-,— ` ta • EGutTran Center a �,' C�llon1 a Arcadia aep. g :are Center / roP ion it. rd\ A t71 ® - e C entm C ter oe r 'A .04C -A wa.00 e -Alhambra y t � . ,eM -� �,,p, - a e 6 El Monte .r ,��. S,{,• ,vz v 1 Y' F ,� a Beverly KIN ® x w s 0 z& a m sr t a -,e u ,,,,,,,,,,,,----,3 de P� C Sh Iter �' � May[rey Park A 1 ,M a 7'7 c 3. W t oo.i G`,. —J � H cetlwi Centel t�5RA+ di e S1 0 y a Figure 1 Map of Eaton and Palisades Fires in January 2025 The most destructive California wildfire listed by CAL FIRE is the November 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County which burned 153,336 acres, destroyed 18,804 structures, and resulted in 85 deaths. The CAL FIRE list of the Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires can be viewed in detail in Appendix A. Data for Orange County wildfires for the period 2008 through 2024 can be viewed in Appendix A. Orange County's 2024 Airport Fire that started in Trabuco Canyon burned 23,500 acres and destroyed 160 structures. The fire raged for nearly a month, prompting a state of 4 Andrea Thompson, How the Ferocious Santa Ana Winds are Fueling the Palisades Fire, Scientific American,Accessed January,8, 2026, http://www.scientificamerican.com 5 Julia Jacobo and Ginger Zee,A perfect storm of weather and climate conditions led to the severity of the California fires,ABC News,Accessed January 8, 2026, http://www.abcnews.com/US/perfect-storm- weather-climate-conditions-severity-california-fires/story?id=117468072 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 7 of 74 220 Wildfires Hit Home emergency and millions of dollars in claims. This fire and others not only caused property loss, but also damaged ecosystems, water resources, and impacted air quality. Post-fire soil degradation and the expansion of invasive, non-native plants has further hindered recovery.6 In California, wildfires have strained the private insurance market. Many insurers, facing frequent and unsustainable financial exposure and constraints on rate hikes caused by Proposition 103 have withdrawn from high-risk areas, or stopped issuing new policies altogether. Some insurers have even withdrawn from the state completely. California homeowners in high-risk wildfire areas report premiums ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 annually.' Orange County, California's fifth most expensive housing market as of the 4th quarter 2025,8 faces challenges that are different than the statewide market. With an average home price of$1.2 million,9 rising insurance costs further threaten housing affordability. A recent survey found that 43% of Orange County seniors worry most about housing costs and financial security.10 Among the hardest hit by insurance premium increases and policy nonrenewal are retirees, renters, and owners of condominiums, townhomes, and mobile homes. The Safer from Wildfires regulation requires insurers to offer discounts to homeowners who take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk. Discounts are based on both achieving community-level designations, which assess the collective mitigation efforts of neighborhoods, and property-level improvements such as installing fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, and clearing defensible space.11 Reducing wildfire risk in the wildland-urban interface helps ensure that insurance coverage remains accessible. California's wildfire and insurance crisis demands coordinated action from local governments and fire authorities, communities, and homeowners to reduce risk of wildfire. 6 Mashall A. Hayrikian, Engineering and Environmental Implications of the LA wildfires:Eaton and Palisades Fire, Marshall Geoscience—Geotechnical Engineering, Laboratory Services, http:l/www.marshallgeo.com/geotechn ical-engineerinq/engineerinq-and-environmental-implications-of-la- wildfires-eaton-palisades-fires/ Merlin Law Group. Fire Insurance in California:A Complete Guide. https://www.merlinlawgroup.com/fire- insurance-california-guide/.Accessed March 6, 2026. 8 California Association of Realtors®, Median Prices of Existing Single Family Homes.Accessed March 8, 2026. https://www.car.orq/marketdata/data/housingdata 9 O.C. CA Real Estate and Property Data,ATTOM, October 2025 10 Gabriel San Roman, New report on aging in Orange County outlines key concerns among seniors, Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2024, https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/entertainment/story/2024-06- 21/aging-in-orange-county-report 11 California Code of Regulations, Title 10, Section 2644.9, Consideration of Mitigation Factors; Wildfire Risk Models. https://regulations.justia.com/states/california/title-10/chapter-5/subchapter-4-8/article- 4/sectio n-2644-9/ Page 8 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 221 Wildfires Hit Home REASON FOR STUDY Wildfires have become an increasingly severe threat to residential communities in Orange County, particularly those in high-risk fire zones. The frequency and intensity of wildfires has escalated due to prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and development encroachment into wildland-urban interface areas. Catastrophic losses from these wildfires have resulted in a continuing insurance crisis. This study aims to (1) identify the shared responsibilities of local governments and fire service agencies, communities and homeowners to reduce the risk of wildfire in the wildland-urban interface, (2) investigate the status of actions taken by the California legislature and Department of Insurance to provide relief to policyholders, and (3) inform communities and homeowners on home hardening, defensible space, insurance risk reduction, and wildfire safety awareness. METHOD OF STUDY The investigation reviewed the efforts of Orange County local governments, local fire departments, and homeowner associations to better understand and provide an independent look at the above concerns and possible solutions. To achieve a clear picture of the wildfire problem in the Orange County wildland-urban interface and its impact on insurance rates, the 2025-2026 Grand Jury has done the following: • Reviewed studies and academic papers • Issued a Fire Hazard Severity Zone survey to all Orange County cities • Examined the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code • Observed a demonstration at a Yorba Linda Water District Heli-HydrantTM • Visited Firewise USA Site designated communities • Conducted literature review of previous statewide Grand Jury reports • Interviewed California Department of Insurance staff, reviewed Department website and pertinent regulations • Visited Orange County Fire Authority facilities to better understand their training, procedures, and preparedness • Conducted multiple interviews with city, county, and fire officials, as well as homeowners association staff and residents regarding wildland-urban interface wildfire risk reduction Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 9 of 74 222 Wildfires Hit Home er ^ � Pax Orange County Fire Authority helicopter approaching Yorba Linda Water District Heli-HydrantTM Source:Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS The 2025-2026 Grand Jury investigated the risk of wildfire in Orange County wildland- urban interface areas, the insurance industry's response to this risk, actions taken by fire prevention authorities to reduce the risk of damage and destruction of homes by wildfire, and the state legislature and California Department of Insurance (CDI) response to the insurance crisis. The Grand Jury also investigated actions homeowners should take to share the responsibility to reduce community wildfire risk, and by doing so, potentially reduce their insurance costs. The Grand Jury investigation included evaluation of CDI initiatives, the Safer from Wildfires insurance regulation,12 and other regulations related to wildfire and insurance risk reduction. The investigation also included examination of recent changes to Fire Hazard Severity Zone mapping, the 2025 CWUIC, and pending amendments to the ember-resistant Zone 0 regulations that comprise defensible space requirements. Shared Responsibility for Reduction of Wildfire and Insurance Risk There is a broad scope of shared responsibility for risk reduction in wildland-urban interface areas. State legislators, CDI, state and local fire prevention authorities, counties and cities, community-level organizations, and homeowners all share responsibility for taking actions necessary to prevent wildfires in wildland-urban interface areas and thereby reduce insurance risk and policy rates. Figure 2 below illustrates the shared responsibility. 12 California Code of Regulations, Title 10, Section 2644.9 Page 10 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 223 Wildfires Hit Home Shared Responsibility for Risk Reduction in Witdtand-Urban Interface Areas state Government noF'ire Authomtes Local Fir e Local Prevention I Governments Authorities Reduction of Wildfire and Insurance Risk Community Homeowners - Levet Q.-wantons Insurance Companes Figure 2 Shared responsibility for risk reduction in wildland-urban interface areas The conclusion of this report focuses on the responsibilities of local governments and fire prevention authorities to provide homeowners the information and guidance needed to reduce property-level wildfire and insurance risk and thereby reduce these risks across entire communities. Wildland-Urban Interface Wildland-urban interface (WUI) is where urban development meets or intermixes with undeveloped natural areas. The term "wildland-urban interface" refers most often to areas where houses are located within or adjacent to relatively larger areas of naturaljAligNel '..g. vegetation. The U.S. Forest Service refers to t`'" WUI simply as "areas where human k I *177 1 MC s...7 development meets natural landscapes.13 ' 1 WUI is at greatest risk of wildfire in Source:RanchoMissionViejo.corn 13 Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Wildland-Urban Interface. https://research.fs.usda.gov/nrs/fire/wui.Accessed January 12, 2026. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 11 of 74 224 Wildfires Hit Home California, where we have led the nation in both WUI growth and wildfires for 30 years.14 The Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem The current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firewise USA program was developed out of the 1986 Wildfire Strikes Home conference principally organized by the U.S. Forest Service and the NFPA. This initiative was the initial fire management response to the home destruction problem related to wildfires nationally recognized in 1985 which has since become known as the WUI fire problem.15 By the middle of this century, many Orange County residents may have a dramatic experience with wildfire due to increasingly drier, hotter conditions. Research that examined wildfires during the period from 1959 through 2009 predicts that in the next 25 years Southern California will see increased wildfires during months when fall winds occur and also during the warmer, summer months. It is estimated that by the mid-21St century there will be a 64% increase in acreage burned during higher intensity fall winds, and a 77% increase during summer winds due to warmer and drier climate. A greater concern is the estimated 20% increase in structures destroyed due to fires during fall winds and estimated 74% increase in structures destroyed due to fires during summer winds in warmer, drier conditions.16 Orange County development that continues into the WUI should expect to face these predictions. This Orange County Grand Jury report focuses on the implications for increased wildfire and insurance risk and our concern that most homes in WUI areas are not prepared to resist ignition and destruction by wildfire. Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Disaster and Suburban Conflagration WUI fire disasters and suburban conflagrations occur during extreme fire conditions when numerous houses ignite and burn simultaneously, overwhelming the capabilities of firefighting resources.17 If enough homes are ignition-resistant, many homes do not ignite during extreme fire conditions and fire protection is not overwhelmed by the 14 Center for Critical Urban and Environmental Studies. University of California, Santa Cruz. Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Research for Resilience:Addressing California's Climate, Conservation &Housing Crises. https://criticalurbanenvironments.ucsc.edu/projects/wildland-urban-interface-wui-research-for- resilience/ 15 Jack Cohen. The Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem:A Consequence of the Fire Exclusion Paradigm. Forest History Today. Fall 2008: 20-26. https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs other/rmrs 2008 cohen j002.pdf.Accessed March 25, 2026. 16 Yufang Jin, et al. Identification of two distinct fire regimes in Southern California; implications for economic impact and future change. Environmental Research Letters,Volume 1, Number 9. 1OP Science, September 8, 2015. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/10/9/094005. Accessed January 9, 2026. 17 Cohen, The Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem, 22. Page 12 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 225 Wildfires Hit Home homes that do ignite; the ignition-resistant homes can survive without firefighter protection, and an extreme wildfire can occur without becoming a WUI fire disaster18 or suburban conflagration. Suburban conflagrations occur when fire spreads from the wildlands into the WUI and suburban environment. Suburban conflagration follows the conceptual WUI fire chain of events in Figure 3.19 Once a structure in a community ignites, the probability of its complete destruction is high and the risk to the rest of the community increases as the burning structure produces significant heat and embers.20 Effective prevention of structure ignitions through home hardening and defensible space measures can break the WUI fire chain of events. Suburban Severe Wildfire Conditions " Conflagration 6Catastrophe • • Fire protection effectiveness • ff Reduced or nonexistent fo.oaww. A < Fire protection resources tr Number of ignitions ``' ` environment overwhelms resources • Residential fires .xtreme fire behavior 6 Ignitable structures,proximity, •High intensity,fast growth "4. many ignitions ef Ignition Source te. ° " • Figure 3 WUI and suburban conflagration fire disaster chain of events.21 Home Ignition Zone and Home Ignition Potential The home ignition zone refers to a home and its immediate surroundings within 100 to 200 feet. The home ignition zone principally determines the potential for WUI fire disasters. Research shows that a home's ignition potential during extreme wildfires is determined by the characteristics of its exterior materials and design, their response to 18 Cohen, The Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem, 23. 19 Ian M. Gammanco, et al. The Return of Conflagration in Our Built Environment. Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. September 2023. https://ibhs.orq/wp- content/uploads/Suburban Wildfire Conflagration WhitePaper.pdf.Accessed March 20, 2026. 2°Gammanco, The Return of Conflagration, 22. 21 Gammanco, The Return of Conflagration, 14. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 13 of 74 226 Wildfires Hit Home burning objects within 100 feet, and their response to embers. Most destroyed homes in residential areas ignite from smaller flames and firebrands (lofted embers), not surrounding vegetation.22 Reducing home ignition potential is the key to preventing WUI fire disaster. Reducing Home Ignition Potential Can Prevent Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Disaster and Suburban Conflagration During extreme WUI fires, homes ignite and burn and sustain the requirements for combustion both indirectly and directly: Indirectly from radiation and convection heating from flames, and directly from ember spot ignitions on a house. Computational modeling and laboratory and field experiments show that large flames of burning shrubs and tree canopies must be within 100 feet to ignite a home's wood exterior, while most destroyed homes ignite from smaller flames and directly from burning embers.23 These research results suggest that addressing the conditions in the home ignition zone to significantly reduce home ignition potential can prevent WUI fire disaster. Reducing home ignition potential means addressing the ignitability of the structure rather than the immediate surroundings. • g kt a art Source:Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images An analysis of CAL FIRE data and Butte County property records shows that about 51% of the 350 single-family homes built after 2008 in the path of the Camp Fire were undamaged. By contrast, only 18% of the 12,100 homes built prior to 2008 escaped damage.24 The homes built after 2008 were required to conform to 2008 Title 24, Chapter 7A of the California Building Standards Code which focused on construction of new buildings located within WUI and Fire Hazard Severity Zones. These 2008 wildfire risk mitigation requirements for new homes included materials such as fire-resistant 22 Cohen, The Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem, 23. 23 Cohen, The Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem, 24. 24 Dale Kasler and Phillip Reese. In Camp Fire, Newer Houses Were Much Less Damaged. The Sacramento Bee.April 11, 2019, updated January 9, 2024. https://www.kged.org/science/1940012/newer- %D8%8Cuses-much-less-damaged-in-camp-fire.Accessed March 4, 2026. Page 14 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 227 Wildfires Hit Home roofs and siding, and construction methods for exterior wildfire protection. These wildfire risk mitigation requirements for new construction directly reduce home ignition potential and help homes constructed to the new standards survive undamaged. Benefits of Reducing Home Ignition Potential Can Exceed Costs The benefits of reducing home ignition potential through compliance with new construction requirements can exceed costs, with 90% of the benefits estimated from reduced property losses and insurance costs. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for complying with the 2015 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) has been calculated by the National Institute of Building Science for a number of representative counties with moderate to extreme fire risk. Total benefits were calculated at $3 billion and total costs at $800 million, suggesting a BCR of approximately 4:1 or $4 saved for every $1 of additional construction and maintenance cost.25 A national average BCR for retrofitting typical 2,000 square-foot existing homes plus nearby non-residential buildings (stores, schools, etc.) to 2018 IWUIC ignition-resistant construction and defensible space was also calculated. Benefits of retrofit exceed costs, with 93% of the benefits estimated from reduced property losses. Total benefits were calculated at $430 billion and total costs at $240 billion, equivalent to a national average BCR of 2:1 or$2 saved for every $1 of retrofit and maintenance costs.26 The per-house retrofit cost is highly uncertain. The lowest average per-house retrofit cost would imply a much higher benefit-cost ratio, perhaps as high as 8:1, equivalent to an average of$8 saved for every $1 of retrofit cost.27 Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire Hazard Severity Zone Mapping California laws now require Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) mapping.28,29,3°The need for FHSZ mapping arose from repeated occurrence of major destructive fires. The FHSZ maps are developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior. There are three levels of hazard score: Moderate, High, and Very High. Many factors are 25 National Institute of Building Science, Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves. 63 26 National Institute of Building Science, Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves, 114. 27 National Institute of Building Science, Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves, 115. 28 California Public Resources Code 4201-4204. https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-prc/division- 4/part-2/chapter-1/article-9/ 29 California Government Code 51175-89. https://law.iustia.com/codes/california/code-qov/title-5/division- 1/part-1/chapter-6-8/section-51175/ 30 California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280. https://regulations.justia.com/states/california/title-14/d ivision-l-5/chapter-7/subchapter-3/article-1/section- 1280/ Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 15 of 74 228 Wildfires Hit Home considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel (natural vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for the area. FHSZ maps evaluate hazard, not risk. "Hazard" is based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30- to 50-year period without considering mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfire, or fuel reduction efforts. "Risk" is the potential damage that a fire can do to the area under existing conditions, accounting for any modifications such as fuel reduction projects, defensible space, and ignition resistant building construction.31 CITY OF NESIPOUT MACH-GRAMM OWRY ttt FHSZ mapping began with the State Local Responsibility Area � ed,e,e Responsibility Area (SRA), defined as a Stale Rte Marshal Fire Hazard Severity Zones ..d.. designated area in California where the .`. =� state has primary responsibility for fire ..W prevention and suppression. The SRA FHSZ mapping went into effect in April i5 ` ,,,c/ Ire2024. Since then, the Office has also been { mapping Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), `, ' �N. �' -� defined as a portion of land where local �..,:,. 4 ` \' agencies, such as city or county fire �., ,_ „ departments, are responsible for wildfire protection. All Orange County FHSZ maps ' are accessible at the CAL FIRE website.32 N Figure 4 shows an example of an Orange County city FHSZ map. Appendix C shows a screenshot of Orange County FHSZs using the CAL FIRE Find Your Fire Hazard L, IN— ""�. I r Severity Zone viewer accessible at this ,� ;•::::.-1,---- � — CAL FIRE web address:33 Figure 4 Example of an Orange County City LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map 31 CAL FIRE. Office of the State Fire Marshal. Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Explore Fire Hazard Severity Zones. . https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard- severity-zones.Accessed March 20, 2026. 32 CAL FIRE. Office of the State Fire Marshal. Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area. Phase 4. Orange County. https://calfire.app.box.com/s/wahuw9ny7cgn89xpxh7092ur50r1 pwvj/folder/312669458215.Accessed March 12, 2026. 33 CAL FIRE. Office of the State Fire Marshal. Fire Hazard Severity Zones. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what- we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones.Accessed March 12, 2026. Page 16 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 229 Wildfires Hit Home https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5065c998b4b0462f9ec3c6c226c610a9. Homeowners can enter their address in this viewer to find whether their property is located within a specific FHSZ. How Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps Impact Homeowners FHSZ maps have no direct impact on insurance coverage. The CDI states that the FHSZ maps are intended to drive local planning decisions, not insurance decisions, and that FHSZ maps have nothing to do with insurance rating.34 Though not used directly for insurance rating, FHSZ mapping does have significant indirect impacts. Properties located in High or Very High FHSZs are subject to certain legal requirements. New state building code requirements effective January 2026 for homes within a FHSZ or a WUI area include fire-resistant materials and construction methods. Buildings in these areas are subject to defensible space requirements. If you sell a home located in these areas, you are required to disclose fire risk and compliance to potential buyers using a specific form. These regulations are in place to increase fire-resistance of communities and ensure property owners are aware of the risks involved in living in a wildfire-prone area. California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Effective January 1, 2026 Title 24, Part 7 of the California Building Standards Code, also referred to as the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC),35 became effective January 1, 2026. Title 24, Part 7, Chapter 5, Special Building Construction Regulations establishes minimum standards to locate, design and construct buildings and structures or portions thereof for the protection of life and property, to resist damage from wildfires, and to mitigate building and structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels.36 Chapter 5 requirements for construction within a FHSZ or a WUI area include: • Specifications for fire-resistance-rated construction and non-combustible materials • Ignition-resistant construction and material • Replacement or repair of roof coverings 34 California Department of Insurance. CAL FIRE Hazard Maps Do Not Affect Insurance Rates or Availability. https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0102-alerts/2025/CAL-FIRE-hazard-maps-do-not- affect-insu.cfm.Accessed March 6, 2026. 35 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Title 24, Part 7, 2024 IWUIC Amended, Effective Date: Jan 01, 2026. https://codes.iccsafe.orq/content/CAWUIC2025P2.Accessed January 22, 2026. 36 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Title 24, Part 7, 2024 IWUIC Amended, Effective Date: Jan 01, 2026. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CAWUIC2025P2.Accessed January 22, 2026. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 17 of 74 230 Wildfires Hit Home Defensible Space Requirements and the New Ember-Resistant Zone 0 The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is responsible for the existing defensible space regulations37 for buildings or structures located in the SRA or in Very High FHSZ in the LRA. If you have a home or building in the SRA or in the Very High FHSZ in the LRA, you are responsible for ensuring that your property complies with defensible space requirements to protect structures from wildfire. The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection webpages include an illustration of existing Defensible Space Zones 0, 1, and 2 (Figure 5), and links to Zones 0, 1, and 2 resources.38 ,----------ZONE 2 --------- -- --ZONE 0 za 3-30 FE 03 Ern 30400 FEET € ' \\ Figure 5 Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Defensible Zones 0, 1, and 2 It is important to note that "ember-resistant Zone 0" does not mean all vegetation, including trees, within 0-5 feet must be removed. New ember-resistant Zone 0 37 California Public Resources Code Division 4-Forests, Forestry and Range and Forage Lands Part 2 - Protection of Forest, Range and Forage Lands Chapter 3-Mountainous, Forest-, Brush-and Grass- Covered Lands Section 4291. https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-prc/division-4/part-2/chapter- 3/section-4291/.Accessed January 14, 2026. 38 State of California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and- programs/defensible-space-zones-0-1-and-2.Accessed January 14, 2026. Page 18 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 231 Wildfires Hit Home vegetation options will be finalized later in 2026. The next public workshop meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2026. New ember-resistant Zone 0 requirements enhance existing defensible space requirements in High and Very High FHSZs in the LRA to create an ember-resistant zone within 0 to 5 feet of a building. 39 Compliance with existing or enhanced defensible space requirements addresses home ignition potential and reduces home ignitability. Reducing the ignitability of enough homes can break the WUI fire chain of events and help more homes escape destruction or survive undamaged. AB38 Defensible Space Compliance Documentation and Disclosure AB38 became effective in 2021, requiring sellers of property located in a High or Very High FHSZ to provide buyers with documentation stating the property complies with state defensible space requirements or local vegetation management ordinances, as applicable. The law provides that if documentation demonstrating compliance cannot be obtained by the close of escrow, a written agreement may be executed showing that the buyer agrees to obtain documentation of compliance within one year of the close of escrow.40 The law also requires a Defensible Space Disclosure be provided by sellers of property located in a High or Very High FHSZ to buyers of homes constructed before January 1, 2010. The Disclosure must include specified information and a copy of a final inspection report, or information on where the report may be obtained.A sample Defensible Space Disclosure notice is reproduced at Appendix D. California Homeowners Insurance Crisis Devastating property losses and casualties resulting from numerous wildfires in California WUI areas and other natural disasters beginning in 2018 have precipitated a continuing homeowners insurance crisis. Beginning in 2022 and 2023, insurers began dramatically raising California homeowners fire insurance premiums in what were considered wildfire risk areas, and some insurers began to stop issuing policies in high- risk areas or withdraw from the California homeowners' insurance market altogether. Like many homeowners throughout the state that are severely impacted by the insurance crisis, many Orange County homeowners are also impacted. 39 Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Summary of October 2025 Draft Zone 0 Regulation Language. https:l/34c031 f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/bof-website/projects- and-proq rams/defensible-space-zones-0-1-2/october-zone-0-summarv-and-rule- plead.pdf?rev=927f9551 dc7b4f15b8263671 cca15ef2&hash=F80F2C5451370BB3C855E38CCCC516D4. Accessed February 17, 2025. 40 Assembly Bill 38, Wood. Fire safety: low-cost retrofits: regional capacity review:wildfire mitigation. Approved October 2, 2019. California-2019-AB38-Chaptered Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 19 of 74 232 Wildfires Hit Home Actions have been taken by the state legislature and the CDI during the last three years to strengthen the property insurance market, increase insurer commitments to write more policies in wildfire-distressed areas, and provide a framework to support homeowners in securing premium reductions from insurers when they take specific actions to reduce their community- and property-level wildfire risk.41 Despite these actions, many homeowners remain vulnerable to dramatic policy premium increases, nonrenewal, or the inability to secure traditional insurance coverage. A recent New York Times article42 cites a 2023 California Association of Realtors survey wherein "nearly 7 percent of realtors surveyed...said that they had deals fall out of escrow that year because buyers couldn't find adequate, affordable coverage."As further cited in the article: "The percentage of realtors reporting that they had deals fall through for lack of insurance has more than doubled since 2023, to 16.6 percent." Unabated Growth of the California FAIR Plan The continuing statewide insurance crisis is further demonstrated by the unabated growth in California FAIR Plan residential insurance policies. The FAIR Plan provides basic fire insurance coverage for 645,967 eligible high-risk properties when 20.954such coverage is demonstrated by 464900 the applicant to be unavailable in 13101 the traditional insurance market.43 330,275 FAIR Plan coverage is limited, 9,694 825°-- relatively expensive, and is the 45 ,799 insurer of last resort for these 320581 . properties. During the period from September 2023 to September c9/23 09124 o/45 2025, the number of FAIR Plan a Dwelling PIF Over Time is Commercial.PIF Over Time residential dwelling policies in force (PIF) increased from Figure 6 Total FAIR Plan Dwelling and Commercial Policies 320,581 to 625,033 as shown at Have Increased, September 2023 to September 2025 41 California Department of Insurance. Sustainable Insurance Strategy. https://ains.assembly.ca.qov/system/files/2023-12/ins u rance-commissioner-ricardo-lara-californ ia- sustainable-insurance-strategy-presentation-to-assembly-insurance-committee-12-13-2023.pdf.Accessed January 29, 2026. 42 New York Times.California Promised Insurance Relief, But Delivered Loopholes. November 1, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/us/los-angeles-california-fire-insurance-requlations.html.Accessed March 25, 2026. 43 The California FAIR Plan. https://www.cfpnet.com/.Accessed March 25, 2026. Page 20 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 233 Wildfires Hit Home Figure 6.44 FAIR Plan data for Orange County residential policies in 2022 is shown in Appendix E. The FAIR Plan is a syndicated fire insurance pool comprised of all insurers licensed to conduct property and casualty business in California. The FAIR Plan was established by statute45 in August 1968 as an insurance placement facility and all licensed property/casualty insurers that write basic property insurance are required to be members of the FAIR Plan. The FAIR Plan issues policies on behalf of its member companies, and each member company participates in the profits, losses, and expenses of the FAIR Plan in direct proportion to its market share of business written in the state. The FAIR Plan is not a state agency or public entity; it does not receive public or taxpayer funding. As the total number of FAIR Plan policies continues to grow unabated, so does the financial strain on the overall FAIR Plan fire insurance pool. Insurance Relief for Homeowners: Safer from Wildfires Insurance Regulation The first of the wildfire safety regulatory incentives was the Safer from Wildfires regulation enacted in fall 2022.46 Safer from Wildfires requires insurers to offer premium discounts based, in part, on mandatory factors including community-level wildfire risk mitigation designations and property-level wildfire risk mitigation efforts. Every action taken under Safer from Wildfires qualifies applicants and policyholders for insurance discounts. Safer from Wildfires: Community-Level Wildfire Risk Mitigation There are two examples of community-level wildfire risk mitigation designations listed in the Safer from Wildfire regulation: 1) Fire Risk Reduction Community Listing47 approved by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, and 2) Firewise USA Site Designation48 approved by the National Fire Protection Association. Other examples of community- level wildfire risk mitigation designations include local Fire Safe Council supported by the California Fire Safe Council, Community Wildfire Protection Plan supported by the 44 Key Statistics& Data. The California FAIR Plan. https://www.cfpnet.com/key-statistics-data/.Accessed March 25, 2026. 45 California Insurance Code sections 10090 et seq. https://law.iustia.com/codes/california/code- ins/division-2/part-1/chapter-9/section-10090/.Accessed April 21, 2026. 46 California Code of Regulations, Title 10, Section 2644.9 47 Fire Risk Reduction Community listed by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4290.1. https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-proqrams/fire-risk-reduction- community-list.Accessed February 10, 2026. 48 Firewise USA program managed by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). https://www.nfpa.orq/Education-and-Research/Wildfire/Firewise-USA.Accessed April 21, 2026. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 21 of 74 234 Wildfires Hit Home U.S. Fire Administration, and the Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood"' Pilot Program49 being launched by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Safer from Wildfires: Property-Level Wildfire Risk Mitigation Safer from Wildfires also requires insurers to offer premium discounts based, in part, on the reduced wildfire risk resulting from each and every property-level wildfire risk mitigation action. These individual property-level wildfire risk mitigation efforts include measures addressing the immediate surroundings of a building and building hardening. The IBHS offers homeowner guidance based on its research,5° and a property-level Wildfire Prepared Home TM designation51 that recognizes mitigation measures addressing both immediate surroundings and home hardening. Safer from Wildfires: Property-Level Measures Addressing Immediate Surroundings - Defensible Space The following measures are specified in Safer from Wildfires to address the immediate surroundings of a building. Each of these actions qualifies for insurance discount: a. Clearing of vegetation and debris from under decks b. Clearing of vegetation, debris, mulch, stored combustible materials, and any and all movable combustible objects from the area within five (5) feet of the building c. Use of only noncombustible materials in any improvements to the property, including fences and gates situated within five (5) feet of the building d. Removal or absence of combustible structures, including sheds and other outbuildings, from the area within thirty (30) feet of the building or as much of such area as is under the control of the applicant or policyholder e. Whether the property upon which the building is situated complies with state or local defensible space requirements, as applicable Safer from Wildfires: Property-Level Building Hardening Measures The following building hardening measures are specified in Safer from Wildfires. Each of these actions qualifies for insurance discount: a. Class-A fire rated roof b. Enclosed eaves 4s Institute for Business & Home Safety. Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood Pilot Program. https://wildfireprepared.orq/wildfire-prepared-neighborhood-pilot-program/.Accessed March 19, 2026. 50 IBHS Research. Wild/and Fire Embers and Flames:Home Mitigations That Matter.April 2023. https://ibhsl.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/Home-Mitigations-that-Matter-FI NAL.pdf. Accessed February 10, 2026. 51 Institute for Business & Home Safety. Wildfire Prepared Home: Take Proven Steps to Reduce Your Risk. https://wildfireprepared.orq/.Accessed March 19, 2026. Page 22 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 235 Wildfires Hit Home c. Fire-resistant vents d. Multipane windows, including dual pane windows, or functional shutters, which when closed, cover the entire window and do not have openings e. At least six (6) inches of noncombustible vertical clearance at the bottom of the exterior surface of the building, measured from the ground up Safer from Wildfires: Optional Factors The Safer from Wildfires regulation also incorporates other optional factors that are substantially related to risk of wildfire loss. These optional factors may include, but are not limited to: fuel, slope, access, aspect, structural characteristics, wind, and other community-level or property-level mitigation efforts, or designations as recommended by a state or local fire safety agency or organization as reducing wildfire risk. Reducing Wildfire and Insurance Risk: AB888 The California Safe Homes Grant Program AB888 established the California Safe Homes Grant Program in October 2025 to be developed and administered by the Department of Insurance for the purpose of achieving the following goals: (1) Reducing local and statewide wildfire losses (2) Improving insurability and resilience of vulnerable communities (3) Home hardening of insurable properties to mitigate wildfire risk and enable consumers to get access to insurance premium incentives offered by insurance companies and in alignment with the department's rules. Eligible California Safe Home Grant Program applicants include qualifying individuals and qualifying cities, counties, and special districts. For individuals, grant funds may be awarded if the following criteria are met: (1) The property of the applicant is covered by an admitted insurer or the California FAIR Plan (2) The property of the applicant is in a ZIP Code that overlaps with a High or Very High FHSZ. (3) The income of the applicant is no higher than the low-income limit for the county in which they reside Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 23 of 74 236 Wildfires Hit Home As of January 1, 2026, the Department of Insurance was developing the grant application portal and planned to begin accepting California Safe Homes Grant applications in spring 2026.52 Our Shared Responsibilities Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) OCFA serves all unincorporated areas of Orange County and its 23 Orange County member cities. The OCFA Board of Directors is made up of elected officials from the County and its member cities. The 11 Orange County cities that are not served by OCFA have their own city fire departments, i.e., their own fire service agencies having jurisdiction. The list of OCFA member cities and other Orange County fire service agencies is included at Appendix F. OCFA education and outreach programs are comprehensive. Online materials and event scheduling is accessible at their website. and a staff of seven community education specialists and a community education supervisor are available to coordinate and attend events. The Wildfire Preparedness53 webpages cover multiple topic areas including: • Ready, Set, Go! • Immediate Zone • Home Assessment • FHSZ Maps • Defensible Space Disclosure • Insurance Inspection • Contractors (specializing in • Pest Control (tree pests wildfire preparedness) management) OCFA takes a systematic approach to mitigating risk through its Community Risk Reduction Department (formerly Fire Prevention). OCFA Community Risk Reduction (CRR) staff identifies community risks, collaborates with developers, agencies, and residents to build and maintain safe communities.54 In addition to the extensive Wildland Preparedness webpages, the CRR department webpages include a section on Wildland & Vegetation with specific information for homeowners in wildland interface areas. The CRR department supports homeowners' risk reduction efforts by providing an online 52 CalMatters. California homeowners could qualify for grants for new roofs and fire safety. January 1, 2026. https://calmatters.orq/economy/2026/01/california-safe-homes-grants/.Accessed February 17, 2026. 53 Orange County Fire Authority. Wildfire Preparedness. https://ocfa.orq/ready-set-go/.Accessed February 24, 2026. 54 Orange County Fire Authority.About Us. Departments. https://ocfa.org/about- us/departments/community-risk-reduction/.Accessed February 24, 2026. Page 24 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 237 Wildfires Hit Home home assessment tool55 that covers the basics of both home hardening and defensible space principles. The online assessment tool guides the homeowner through a series of questions and ends with the opportunity to receive an emailed report providing recommendations for fire mitigation strategies. Before beginning the online questionnaire, homeowners are given the option to request an in-person home assessment with an OCFA Fire Prevention Specialist. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Survey Results - Local Governments and Fire Service Agencies This investigation included a survey of Orange County cities to gather information about their efforts to reduce risk of wildfire in WUI areas and their outreach programs for homeowners. The Grand Jury invited 34 Orange County cities to respond to the survey and received 28 responses. Of these 28 responses, 20 were from various city departments, and eight were from city fire departments. The Orange County cities that responded to the survey reported having from zero to 100% of their city land area within Moderate, High, or Very-High FHSZs. Reported land areas may not match each individual city's FHSZ map. A summary of the survey results for city area reported in FHSZs are shown at Figure 7: 55 Orange County Fire Authority. Home Assessment Tool. https://ocfa.org/ready-set-qo/home- assessment/.Accessed February 24, 2026. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 25 of 74 238 Wildfires Hit Home City Area Reported in Fire Hazard Severity Zones 11% 21% 11% 18% 14% 44110 • No area in FHSZ •Some area in FHSZ(not quantified) •2%to 25%in FHSZ r 26%to 50%in FHSZ • 51%to 75%in FHSZ • 76%to 100%in FHSZ %of #of City Area Reported in Responding Responding Fire Hazard Severity Zones Cities Cities No area in FHSZ 21% 6 Some area in FHSZ(not quantified) 14% 4 2%to 25%in FHSZ 25% 7 26%to 50%in FHSZ 18% 5 51%to 75%in FHSZ 11% 3 76%to 100%in FHSZ 11% 3 Figure 7 City Area Reported in Fire Hazard Severity Zones 11 of 28 responding cities reported having achieved or have applications pending approval for community-level wildfire risk mitigation designations.Achievement of community-level wildfire risk mitigation designations is a significant way local governments, local fire departments, unincorporated areas, and special districts can reduce wildfire and insurance risk for their residents. A summary of the survey results for cities that have achieved or applied for community-level wildfire risk mitigation designation are shown at Figure 8. Page 26 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 239 Wildfires Hit Home Cities That Have Achieved, Applied for, or Plan to Apply for a Community-level Wildfire Risk Mitigation Designation 39% 61% �1, ' ■Yes ■ No ■ In progress Achieved,Applied for,or Plan to Apply %of #of for a Community-Level Wildfire Risk Responding Responding Mitigation Designations Cities Cities Yes 39% 11 No 61% 17 In progress 0% 0 Figure 8 Cities Reporting Achieved, Applied for, or Plan to Apply for a Community-Level Wildfire Risk Mitigation Designation 16 of 28 responding cities reported having an outreach program that provides information and guidance to property owners on wildfire risk mitigation measures and grant programs. A summary of the survey results on cities reporting whether they have these outreach programs in place are shown at Figure 9. These outreach programs are needed to help homeowners achieve awareness and ability to plan and take actions required to reduce individual and community wildfire and insurance risk. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 27 of 74 240 Wildfires Hit Home Cities That Have an Outreach Program to Provide Information and Guidance to Property Owners on Wildfire Risk Mitigation Measures and/or Grants 14% 29% 57% •Yes e No • In progress Outreach Program to Provide Information a and Guidance to Property Owners on of #of Wildfire Risk Mitigation Measures and Responding Responding Grants Cities Cities Yes 57% 16 No 29% 8 In progress 14% 4 Figure 9 Cities Reporting Outreach Program to Provide Information and Guidance to Property Owners on Wildfire Risk Mitigation Measures and/or Grants 11 of the 16 cities reported having their own outreach programs, are Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) member cities, and referred to one or more of OCFA's comprehensive programs and resources (see Figure 10). While OCFA member cities' use of OCFA outreach programs and resources is efficient and beneficial to their residents, the availability of a direct local contact at the city who is knowledgeable and can provide even a minimum of information and guidance on wildfire mitigation resources would help remove barriers to homeowners' actions to reduce wildfire risk. Page 28 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 241 Wildfires Hit Home Cities With an Outreach Program That Refers To OCFA Programs and Resources 45% 55% ■Yes ■ No Outreach Program Refers to Orange %of tt of County Fire Authority Programs and Responding Responding Resources Cities Cities Yes 55% 11 No 45% 9 Figure 10 Cities Reporting Their Outreach Program Refers to Orange County Fire Authority Outreach Programs and Resources Orange County Homeowners Associations Play an Important Role According to the California Community Managers Association, there are 4,927 homeowners associations (HOA) in Orange County, and 82% of Orange County residents live in HOAs.56 These HOAs communicate directly with their residents, and thus have the ability to mobilize people and resources to effectively achieve and maintain community-level wildfire risk mitigation designations and reduce their residents' homeowner insurance premiums. HOAs are the local contact for their residents, and through their architectural and landscape standards can effectively communicate information on home hardening and defensible space requirements. HOAs often host community leaders and local fire service agencies for fire prevention workshops and other outreach events for HOA residents. Their local contact function can also provide information and organize opportunities to volunteer and support local fire prevention overall through activities such as Citizens Brigade57 and Bike Brigade.58 These HOA-hosted workshops, outreach 56 California Association of Community Managers. Estimated number of residents living in HOAs based on average of 2010-2014 Census reports of 3.04 persons per household. www.cacm.orq. 57 Weathered:After the LA Firestorm. PBS, KCET, 2026. 58Ellis, Rebecca. Los Angeles Times. January 10, 2026. Topanga Canyon felt abandoned. So residents are banding together to fight fire. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-10/tpanga-canyon- felt-abandoned-so-residents-are-banding-together-to-fight-fire.Accessed March 6, 2026. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 29 of 74 242 Wildfires Hit Home events, and local contact functions are effective means to help homeowners achieve awareness and ability to plan and take actions necessary to reduce wildfire and insurance risk. HOAs often have significant responsibility for large open space areas of Orange County that can total hundreds of acres of fuel modification zones. The HOAs' collaborative role with local fire service agencies in managing these fuel modification zones is as important as their role with HOA residents in the shared responsibilities for wildfire and insurance risk reduction. Homeowners are Responsible for Reducing Home Ignition Potential Fire science research has demonstrated that ignition-resistant homes can survive wildfire without firefighter protection.59 Where there are enough ignition-resistant homes, the WUI fire chain of events can be broken to prevent fire disasters, and these homes can escape destruction or survive undamaged. Taking the actions necessary to make homes ignition resistant to windborne embers is the responsibility of homeowners. The role of the homeowner is critical in the shared responsibilities for reducing wildfire and insurance risk in WUI areas. Homeowners need support from local governments and fire service agencies to achieve the awareness and ability to plan and take actions necessary to make homes ignition resistant. This support is most effectively delivered through local outreach programs; effective communications in outreach programs have been found to be the more local, personalized efforts such as one-on-one consultation with fire experts, townhall events, small workshops, tours, and demonstrations.60 For example, provision of in-person or online home assessments that result in written recommendations to homeowners for specific wildfire risk mitigation actions. Documentation of the recommended actions taken can then be presented to homeowners' insurers for the insurance discounts required by Safer from Wildfires. Safer from Wildfires home hardening and defensible space measures protect homes and communities, save homeowners, local governments, and fire authorities as well as insurance companies from catastrophic loss while also providing discounts for homeowners' insurance premiums. Reducing wildfire risk in the wildland-urban interface helps ensure that insurance coverage remains accessible. California's wildfire and insurance crisis demands coordinated action from local governments and fire authorities, communities, and homeowners to reduce risk of wildfire. 59 Cohen, The Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Problem, 23. 60 Gammanco, The Return of Conflagration, 34. Page 30 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 243 Wildfires Hit Home FINDINGS In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury requires (or, as noted, requests) responses from each agency affected by the findings presented in this section. The responses are to be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Based on its investigation "Wildfires Hit Home" the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury has arrived at the following six findings: Fl More frequent and severe wildfires driven by increasingly hotter, drier, and windier conditions in the Orange County wildland-urban interface are escalating impacts on financial and non-financial resources.Among the financial costs are dramatic increases in homeowners' insurance premiums, nonrenewals, and inabilities to obtain insurance. F2 Actions that address conditions in the home ignition zone to significantly reduce ignition potential can prevent a community wildland-urban interface fire disaster or suburban conflagration. F3 Expanded engagement with the community to raise awareness and provide support regarding home hardening and defensible space will increase effectiveness of wildfire risk mitigation and insurance risk reduction efforts. F4 Achievement of community-level and property-level wildfire risk mitigation designations (such as Firewise USA Site, Fire Risk Reduction Community or Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety certification) lessens wildfire risk and helps reduce insurance premium costs. F5 All county residents should be made aware that Safer from Wildfire regulation requires insurers to provide discounts to homeowners and communities that implement home hardening and defensible space measures regardless of whether a property is located within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. F6 AB888, California Safe Homes Grant Program, provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners, cities, counties, and special districts for home hardening and defensible space measures. Applying for and using these grant funds will reduce wildfire losses and improve insurability and resilience of vulnerable communities. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 31 of 74 244 Wildfires Hit Home RECOMMENDATIONS In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury requires (or, as noted, requests) responses from each agency affected by the recommendations presented in this section. The responses are to be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Based on its investigation described herein, the 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury makes the following recommendations: R1 By December 31, 2026, the Orange County Board of Supervisors should plan to host a county-wide annual wildfire prevention fair for the County and all cities and fire service agencies, including Orange County Fire Authority, to showcase respective wildfire outreach programs, and for the first annual wildfire prevention fair to be scheduled no later than December 31, 2027. [F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6] R2 By December 31, 2026, cities and fire service agencies, including Orange County Fire Authority should commit to participation in a county-wide annual wildfire prevention fair planned by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to showcase wildfire prevention outreach programs. [F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6] R3 By December 31, 2026, cities, unincorporated areas, special districts, and fire service agencies in High and Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones should initiate planning activities to achieve community-level wildfire risk mitigation designations and/or establish a local Fire Safe Council within one year. [F4, F5, F6] R4 By December 31, 2026, to ensure city residents are engaged and aware of wildfire risk reduction resources, OCFA member and non-member cities should provide information, develop their own outreach program, and establish a direct contact person(s) for their residents. This is in addition to whatever referrals or references made to OCFA outreach programs. [F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6] Page 32 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 245 Wildfires Hit Home COMMENDATIONS Yorba Linda Water District The 2025-26 Orange County Grand Jury extends its special thanks to the Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD) for providing two tours of its facilities, including their non-portable Heli-HydrantsTM. The YLWD with foresight and planning installed three Heli-HydrantTM facilities. One of the tanks was the first to be installed in Southern California. . ` ;. . These innovative tanks enable fire department helicopters to access water ` """ more quickly and efficiently, improving helicopter firefighting capabilities in r., • areas where wildland vegetation and human development intersect, such as in the Yorba Linda service area. Source.2025-2026 Grand Jury Newport Beach Fire Department The 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury acknowledges and recognizes the Newport Beach Fire Department for their outstanding and continuing efforts to lead the Southern California region in dedication and adherence to the highest level of fire protection and safety. They are a role model for other cities in Orange County and elsewhere. In 2024, the Insurance Services Office honored Newport Beach Fire Department as a Top Tier Class 1 fire agency through its Public Protection Classification Program Newport Beach Fire Department shares the Top Tier Class 1 designation with only about 1% of the top fire departments nationwide. The Grand Jury particularly commends Newport Beach Fire Prevention leadership, who generously dedicated time and expertise to share insights from their extensive knowledge of fire science. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 33 of 74 246 Wildfires Hit Home REQUIRED RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body. Such comment shall be made no later than 90 days after the Grand Jury publishes its report (filed with the Clerk of the Court). Additionally, in the case of a report containing findings and recommendations pertaining to a department or agency headed by an elected County official (e.g., District Attorney, Sheriff, etc.), such elected County official shall comment on the findings and recommendations pertaining to the matters under that elected official's control within 60 days to the Presiding Judge with an information copy sent to the Board of Supervisors. The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the Findings and Recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933 (c) No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body, and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand juty has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment within 60 days to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head and any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. One copy shall be placed on file with the applicable grand jury final report by, and in the control of the currently impaneled grand jury, where it shall be maintained for a minimum of five years. §933.05. (a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: Page 34 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 247 Wildfires Hit Home (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons, therefore. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand juty recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation, therefore. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the grand jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department. The Orange County Grand Jury requires the following responses: Orange County Board of Supervisors 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R1, R2, R3 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 35 of 74 248 Wildfires Hit Home Orange County Fire Authority Board of Directors 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3 City of Aliso Viejo 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Anaheim 90 Day Response Required Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Brea 90 Day Response Required Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Buena Park 90 Day Response Required Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Costa Mesa 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Cypress 90 Day Response Requested Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 Page 36 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 249 Wildfires Hit Home City of Dana Point 90 Day Response Requested Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Fountain Valley 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Fullerton 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Garden Grove 90 Day Response Requested Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Huntington Beach 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Irvine 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of La Habra 90 Day Response Required Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 37 of 74 250 Wildfires Hit Home City of La Palma 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Laguna Beach 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Laguna Hills 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Laguna Niguel 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Laguna Woods 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Lake Forest 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Los Alamitos 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 Page 38 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 251 Wildfires Hit Home City of Mission Viejo 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Newport Beach 90 Day Response Required Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Orange 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Placentia 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Rancho Santa Margarita 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of San Clemente 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of San Juan Capistrano 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 39 of 74 252 Wildfires Hit Home City of Santa Ana 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Seal Beach 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Stanton 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Tustin 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Villa Park 90 Day Response Required Findings: Fl, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 City of Westminster 90 Day Response Requested Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R4 City of Yorba Linda 90 Day Response Required Findings: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Recommendations: R2, R3, R4 Page 40 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 253 Wildfires Hit Home Acronyms AB Assembly Bill B Brush BCR Benefit Cost Ratio CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CAL OES California Governor's Office of Emergency Services CC Contract Counties CDI California Department of Insurance CRR Community Risk Reduction CWUIC California Wildland-Urban Interface Code FAIR Fair Access to Insurance Requirement FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FHDS Fire Hardening and Defensible Space FHSZ Fire Hazard Severity Zone G Grass HOA Homeowners Association IBHS Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety® IWUIC International Wildland-Urban Interface Code LRA Local Responsibility Area NFPA National Fire Protection Association OCFA Orange County Fire Authority P&C Property and Casualty PIF Policies in Force SB Senate Bill SRA State Responsibility Area USDA United States Department of Agriculture Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 41 of 74 254 Wildfires Hit Home USFS United States Forest Service WRAP Wildfire Risk Reduction and Asset Protection WUI Wildland-Urban Interface YLWD Yorba Linda Water District Page 42 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 255 Wildfires Hit Home Glossary Aspect Compass direction that a slope or terrain surface faces, influencing sunlight exposure, temperature, and vegetation. Catastrophic loss A sudden, severe, and often, widespread event resulting in extreme financial, loss of life, or permanent injury. Class-A roof Highest fire resistance classification for a roof assembly, signifying its effectiveness against severe fire exposure. Conflagration A particularly large and destructive fire; in the built environment, this may describe a fire that spreads via structure to structure. Defensible space Buffer zone created and managed between buildings and surrounding wildland area to protect buildings from embers, flames, or heat, slow or stop wildfire spread, and help ensure safety of firefighters. Ember Small piece of burning or glowing fragment from a fire. Ember-resistant Refers to features that reduce the risk of ignition from embers. Ember spot ignition Refers to one of the principal ways homes can ignite during extreme WUI fires, by embers directly on a house. Firebrands Refers to airborne embers; pieces of burning wood. Firewise USA Program administered by NFPA® and co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Fuel modification zone Designated area where vegetation is managed to reduce wildfire risk for protection of homes and communities. Fuel reduction Management of vegetation to reduce risk of wildfires. Heli-HydrantTM Patented rapid-fill water tank system for helicopter firefighting operations. Home hardening Utilizing building materials, construction methods and maintenance practices to increase resistance to ignition from fire exposure. Home ignition potential Susceptibility of a home and its immediate surroundings within 100 feet (thirty meters) to ignite during a wildfire. Home ignition zone A home and its immediate surroundings within 100 feet (thirty meters). Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 43 of 74 256 Wildfires Hit Home Ignition Process leading to the onset of a sustained combustion reaction; "start of a fire." Ignition-resistant Refers to materials and construction methods designed to resist ignition or sustained flaming combustion; difficult to catch fire when exposed to direct flame or heat. Wildland fuels Burnable plant materials that can act as fuel during wildfires, including grasses, shrubs, trees, dead leaves, and fallen pine needles. Zone 0 Ember-resistant defensible space within the first five feet around a structure, required for properties in State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the Local Responsibility Area. Page 44 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 257 Wildfires Hit Home Bibliography 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Title 24, Part 7, 2024 IWUIC Amended, Effective Date: Jan 01, 2026. Accessed January 22, 2026. https://codes.iccsafe.orq/content/CAWUIC2025P2. 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Title 24, Part 7, 2024 IWUIC Amended, Effective Date: Jan 01, 2026. 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Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area>Phase 4>Orange> https://calfire.app.box.com/s/wahuw9ny7cgn89xpxh7092ur50r1 pwvj/folder/3126694582 15 CAL FIRE. Top 20 Deadliest California Wildfires. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://34c031 f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azu reedge.net/- Imed is/ca lfire-webs ite/o u r-impact/fi re-statistics/top-20-dead l iest-ca- wildfires.pdf?rev=0d4612ff0cb447fb827fa0ac6c309d3d&hash=34718653A215C315C5E 3CB5BB6A4E550 CAL FIRE. Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://34c031 f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/- /med is/calfire-website/ou r-impact/fire-statistics/top-20-destructive-ca- wildfires.pdf?rev=737a1073f76947b4a3bfb960b19f44c7&hash=7CA02D30D9BF46A32 D5D98BD108BA26A California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Fire Risk Reduction Community List. Accessed February 16, 2026. https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/fire-risk- reduction-community-list. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 45 of 74 258 Wildfires Hit Home California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280. https://req u lations.i ustia.com/states/california/title-14/division-l-5/chapter-7/su bcha pte r- 3/article-1/section-1280/ California Department of Insurance —Wildfire Risk Reduction Regulations California Department of Insurance. CAL FIRE hazard maps do not affect insurance rates or availability.Accessed February 1, 2026. https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400- news/0102-alerts/2025/CAL-FI RE-haza rd-maps-do-not-affect-insu.cfm The California FAIR Plan. https://www,cfpnet.com/ California Government Code 51175-89. https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code- qov/title-5/division-1/part-1/chapter-6-8/section-51175/ California Insurance Code § 2644.9 California Insurance Code sections 10090 et seq. https://law.justia.com/codes/californ ia/code-ins/d ivision-2/part-1/chapter-9/section- 10090/ California Public Resources Code 4201-4204. https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-prc/division-4/part-2/chapter-1/article-9/ California Public Resources Code Division 4 - Forests, Forestry and Range and Forage Lands Part 2 - Protection of Forest, Range and Forage Lands Chapter 3 - Mountainous, Forest-, Brush- and Grass-Covered Lands Section 4291. 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NPR News, January 13, 2026. https://www,kanw.orq/npr- news/2026-01-13/california-fire-victims-say-fighting-with-insurance-companies-has- delayed-rebuilding. Page 46 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 259 Wildfires Hit Home Edelson, Josh. [Cover page lower left image of a home survives Palisades Fire]. Photograph. Agence France-Presse / Getty Images. Accessed March 25, 2026. Edelson, Josh. [Cover page lower right image of a home burns in Paradise, California during the Camp Fire]. Photograph. "In Camp Fire, Newer Houses Were Much Less Damaged Accessed." The Sacramento Bee. April 11, 2019.Accessed March 25, 2026. https://www.kged.orq/science/1940012/newer-houses-much-less-damaged-in-camp-fire Executive Order N-13-23. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9.21.23- Homeowners-Insurance-EO.pdf Executive Order N-18-25. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/2025/02/2025-2-6.Urban-Conflagration-EO-ATTESTED.pdf. Fallon, Patrick T. [A House a hill with fire and smoke]. Photograph. Agence France- Presse / Getty Images. Accessed March 25, 2026. Firewise USA program managed by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). https://www.nfpa.orq/Education-and-Research/Wildfire/Firewise-USA Hall, Alex— Journal of Environmental Research, September 8, 2015. Gammanco, Ian M., et al. The Return of Conflagration in Our Built Environment. Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. September 2023. Accessed March 20, 2026. https://ibhs.org/wp- content/uploads/Suburban Wildfire Conflagration WhitePaper.pdf. Hayrikian, Mashall A.. Engineering and Environmental Implications of the LA wildfires: Eaton and Palisades Fire. Marshall Geoscience — Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory Services. http://www.marshallgeo.com/geotechnical-engineering/engineering-and- environmental-implications-of-la-wildfires-eaton-palisades-fires/. Instagram. [Cover page upper left image of Wildland-Urban Interface at Rancho Mission Viejo]. Photograph. Accessed March 25, 2026. https://www.instagram.com/popular/rancho-mission-vieio-cal. Instagram. [Rancho Mission Viejo.com]. Photograph. Accessed March 25, 2026. https://www.instagram.com/p/CsmLvglMgm2/?utm source=iq web copy link&igshid=M zRIODBiNWFILV/03IY/03D. IBHS Research. Wildland Fire Embers and Flames: Home Mitigations That Matter. April 2023. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://ibhsl.wpenginepowered.com/wp- content/uploads/Home-Mitigations-that-Matter-FINAL.pdf. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 47 of 74 260 Wildfires Hit Home Institute for Business & Home Safety. Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood Pilot Program. Accessed March 19, 2026. https://wildfireprepared.orq/wildfire-prepared-neighborhood- pilot-program/. Jacobo, Julia and Ginger Zee, Ginger. A perfect storm of weather and climate conditions led to the severity of the California fires, ABC News, Accessed January 8, 2026, http://www.abcnews.com/US/perfect-storm-weather-climate-conditions-severity- californ ia-fires/story?id=117468072 Kasler, Dale and Reese, Phillip. "In Camp Fire, Newer Houses Were Much Less Damaged." The Sacramento Bee. April 11, 2019, updated January 9, 2024.Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.kged.orq/science/1940012/newer-%D8%8Cuses-much- less-damaqed-in-camp-fire. McChrystal Group. After-Action Review of Alert Notification Systems and Evacuation Policies for the Eaton and Palisades Fires. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, September 25, 2025. https://lacounty.gov/2025/09/25/la-county-releases-after-action- review-of-alert-notification-systems-and-evacuation-policies-for-the-eaton-a nd- palisades-fires/. Miller, Rebecca. "Residents Reducing Wildfire Risks: Findings from the NFPA® Firewise® Sites of Excellence Pilot, 2019-2020," May 2022. NFPA® Firewise USA®: Residents Reducing Wildfire Risks. https://www.nfpa.orq/education-and- research/wildfire/firewise-usa/firewise-sites-of-excellence National Institute of Building Science. "Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves." 2019. https://nibs.orq/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NIBS MMC MitiqationSaves 2019-1.pdf Orange County Fire Authority. Resource Library. Accessed March 8, 2026. https://ocfa.orq/documents/. Orange County Grand Jury (2025 -2026). [OCFA helicopter approaching Yorba Linda Water District Heli-HydrantTM]. Photograph, January 27, 2026. Unpublished internal documentation. Orange County Grand Jury (2025 -2026). [Cover page upper right image of Orange County Fire Authority helicopter water drop]. Photograph, January 27, 2026. Unpublished internal documentation. Polacek, Andy. 2018. "Catastrophe Bonds:A Primer and Retrospective." Chicago Fed Letter, no. 405. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. https://www.chicagofed.orq/publications/chicago-fed-letter/2018/405. Rojanasakul, Jira, & Brown, Claire. "America's Home Insurance Affordability Crunch: See What's Happening Near You." New York Times. November 19, 2025. Accessed Page 48 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 261 Wildfires Hit Home November 25, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/11/19/climate/home- insurance-premiums-costs-usa.html?smid=nytcore-android-share San Diego County Grand Jury. "Fire Country: Forging a United Defense in the Backcountry," SanDiegoCounty.gov. May 15, 2025. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/grandjury/reports/2024-2025/fire- country/Fire-%20Final%20Filed%20Version.pdf Senate Bill 504. Accessed January 14, 2026. https://lepiscan.com/CA/text/SB504/id/3018449. State of California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Accessed January 14, 2026. https://bof.fire.ca.gov/protects-and-programs/defensible-space-zones-0-1-and-2. The California FAIR Plan. Key Statistics & Data. Accessed March 8, 2026. https://www.cfpnet.com/key-statistics-data/ Thompson, Andrea. How the Ferocious Santa Ana Winds are Fueling the Palisades Fire. Scientific American. Accessed January 7, 2026. http://www.scientificamerican.com United Policyholders —WRAP Resource Center and Safer from Wildfires Initiative U.S. Fire Administration. What is the WUI?Accessed November 25, 2025. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/what-is-the-wui/ Weathered: After the LA Firestorm. Directed by Trip Jennings. Presented by Maiya May. PBS, 2026. 56 min. Wildland-Urban Interface. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://research.fs.usda.gov/nrs/fire/wui. Yufang, Jin, et al. Identification of two distinct fire regimes in Southern California: implications for economic impact and future change. Environmental Research Letters, Volume 1, Number 9. 'OP Science, September 8, 2015. Accessed January 9, 2026. https://iopscience.iop.orq/article/10.1088/1748-9326/10/9/094005. "ZIP Codes in Orange County, California." Felt.com. Accessed November 11,2025. https://felt.cam/map/ZIP-Codes-in-Orange-County-California- GX3e19BKrS5uwCICY3r5gFD?loc=33.6408,-117.7804,9z. Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 49 of 74 262 Wildfires Hit Home Appendix A CAL FIRE Wildfire Data Top 20 Deadliest California Wildfires FIRE NAME(CAUSE) I DATE I COUNTY I ACRES I STRUCTURES , DEATHS 1 CAMP FIRE(Powerlines) November 2_018 Butte 153,336 16,904 85 2 GRIFFITH PARK(Unknown) October 1933 Loa Angels 47 0 29 3 TUNNEL-Oakland Hills(Rekindle) October 1991 Alumedn 1,500 7,900 25 4 TUBBS(Electrical) October 2017 Napa S•Sonoma 36,607 5,643 22 6 EATON(Under Investigation). January 2025 Loa Angeles 14.071 9,413 19 6 NORTH COMPLEX(Lightning) August 2020 Butte,Plumes,&Yuba 318,935 2302 15 7 CEDAR(Human Related) October 2003 San Diego 273,246 2,070 15 e RATTLESNAKE(Arson) July 1853 Glenn 1.340 0 to 9 PALISADES(Linder lncestigation)' January 2023 Los Angeles 23,707 6,633 12 10 LOOP(unknown) November 1966 Los Angeles 2,028 0 12 11 IlAUSER CREEK(Human Related) October 1943 San Diego 13,1455 0 11 12 INAJAQtumon Related) November 1056 San Diego 43,904 0 11 13 IRON ALPS COMPLEX(Lightning) August 2008 Trinity 105.655 10 10 14 REDWOOD VALLEY(Power Lines) October 2017 Mendocino 38,323 544 9 15 HARRIS(Undetermined) October 2007 San Diego 90,440 548 8 16 CANYON(Unknown) August 1968. Ion Angeles 22,197 0 8 17 CARR(Human Related) July 2015 Shasta County,Trinity 279,631 1614 8 18 LED Lightning Complex. (Lightning/Arson) August 2020 NapatSoaome/YoloiStanislauat Lake 363,220 1.491 6 19 ATLAS(Pouerline,) October 2017 Napa&Solono 31,624 791 6 20 OLD(Human Related) October 2003 Ban Bernardino 91,281 1,003 8 '•Fires with the came death count are listed by most recent.Several fires have had 4 fealties,but only the moot recent are listed a/� "'This list does not include fire jurisdiction.These ere the Top 70 regardless of whether they ware amt.,federal or local responsibility Ill e' 025 Source: CalFire Redbook Data Figure 11 Top 20 Deadliest California Wildfires Page 50 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 263 Wildfires Hit Home Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires FIRE NAME(CAUSE) DATE COUNTY ACRES STRUCTURES DEATHS 1 CAMP(Powerlines) November 2018 Butte 153.336 18,604 85 2 EATON(Under Investigation)• January 2025 Los Angeles 14,021 8,413 19 3 PALISADES(Under Investigation). January 2025 Los Angeles 23,707 6,833 12 4 TUBBS(Electrical) October 2017 Napa&Sonoma 36,807 5.636 22 s TUNNEL-Oakland Hills(Rekindle) October 1991 Alameda 1,600 2,900 _5 6 CEDAR(Human Related) October 2003 San Diego 273,246 2,820 15 i NORTH COMPLEX(Lightning) August,2020 Butte,Plumas,&Yuba 318,935 2,312 15 a VALLEY(Electrical) = September 2015 Lake,Napa&Sonoma 76,067 1,955 4 9 WITCH(Powerlines) October 2007 San Diego 197,990 1,650 2 is WOOLSEY(Electrical) November 2018 Ventura 96.949 1,643 3 11 CARR(Human Related) July 2_018 Shasta County.Trinity 229,651 1,614 8 12 GLASS(Undetermined) September 2020 Napa&Sonoma 67,484 1,520 0 13 LNU LIGHTNING COMPLEX p �t 2020 Napa,Solaro,Sonoma,Yo1a. 362,220 1,391 6 (Lightning/Arson) Lake.&Colusa 14 CZU LIGHTNING COMPLEX(Lightning) August 2020 Santa Cruz,San Mateo 86,509 1,490 1 15 NUNS(Powerline) October 2017 Sonoma 54,39: 1.345 3 16 DIXIE(Powerline) July 2021 Butte,Plumas.Lassen,&Tehama 563,309 1,311 1 17 THOMAS(Powerline) December 2017 Ventura&Santa Barbara 281,893 1,063 18 CALDOR(Under Investigation) September 2021 Alpine,Amador,&El Dorado 221.774 1,003 1 19 OLD (Human Related) October 2003 San Bernardino 91,281 1,003 6 20 JONES(Undetermined) October 1999 Shasta 26,200 954 1 "Structures" i d homes,outbuildings(barns,garages, heds etc)and coinmercial properties destroyed This hat dces not include fire jurisdiction.Them are the Top 20 regardless of whether they were state,federal,local or tribal responsibility. *Numbers not final*DINS Disclaimer There numbers are preliminary based on aerial assessments dedinsting heat sources which can include chicken coops, outbuildings,sheds,water containers,eta Validated inapernone aft currently being ground verified by Damage Assessment Teams. 025/1020 Source: CalFire Redbook Data Figure 12 Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 51 of 74 264 Wildfires Hit Home Date Dire Structures Fatalities Incident* County Fire Name Protection Acres Vegetation Cause Start Contained Area Burned Type Destroyed Damaged Firefighters Civilians ORC-127883 ORANGE AIRPORT 9/9/24 10/5/24 CC 23,526 B,G EQUIPMENT 160 34 RIVERSIDE CNF-405 ORANGE JIM 3/2/22 3/9/22 USFS 553 B,G HUMAN ORC-136890 ORANGE BOND 12/2/20 12/11/20 CC 6,686 B,G STRUCTURE 31 21 ORC-121612 ORANGE BLUE 10/26/20 11/7/20 CC 13,694 8,G UNDETERMINED 1 12 RIDGE ORC-121364 ORANGE SILVERADO 10/26/20 11/7/20 CC 12,466 8,G UNDER 5 11 INVESTIGATION CNF-2664 ORANGE HOLY 8/6/18 9/14/18 USFS 23,025 B,G ARSON 24 18 RIVERSIDE ORC-110494 ORANGE CANYON 2 10/9/17 10/17/17 CC 9,217 8,G MISCELLANEOUS 25 55 ORC-1478 ORANGE CANYON 9/25/17 10/3/17 CC 2,662 B,G MISCELLANEOUS 7 CNF-2873 ORANGE SILVERADO 9/12/14 9/20/14 USFS 985 B UNDETERMINED ORC-045067 ORANGE CARBON 7/7/11 7/8/11 CALFIREJCC 508 B UNDETERMINED CANYON Notes: B•Brush G•Grass CC-Contract Counties USFS•United States Forest Service Source:CatFire Redbook Data Figure 13 Large Fires 300 Acres and Greater-State and Contract Counties Direct Protection Area A 6 C D E F G Year County Fire Name Total <0.25 0.26-9.99 10-99 100-299 300-999 1000-4999 >5000 Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres 2024 Orange Airport 39 31 5 1 1 0 0 1 2023 Orange - 28 18 10 0 0 0 0 0 2022 Orange Jim 30 23 4 0 2 1 0 0 2021 Orange 7 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 Bond,Blue 2020 Orange Ridge, 45 33 7 2 0 0 0 3 Silverado 2019 Orange 46 36 7 2 1 0 0 0 2018 Orange Holy 57 49 5 0 2 0 0 1 2017 Orange Canyon, 71 56 12 1 0 0 1 1 Canyon 2 2016 Orange - 42 33 4 5 0 0 0 0 2015 Orange - 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2014 Orange Silverado 8 6 1 0 0 1 0 0 2013 Orange - 13 12 1 0 0 0 0 0 2012 Orange - 19 16 2 1 0 0 0 0 2011 Orange Carbon 10 9 0 0 0 1 0 0 Canyon 2010 Orange - 7 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 2009 Orange - 10 6 0 3 1 0 0 0 2008 Orange - 8 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 2008-2024 Annualized - 26.1 20.1 4.0 0.9 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.4 Yellow highlight signifies named fires including fires that span both Orange and Riverside counties Source:CatFire Redbook Data Figure 14 Orange County Wildfires by Size Page 52 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 265 Wildfires Hit Home Appendix B Safer from Wildfires Flyer Being d . firs Can Help With YourInsurance sect your t,the dings prow, the �'rt° °r business Pr°t to s rr°un W °1e corr"- ty I i :::: 1. ,„;., ,.. '::1 1 '. ' ..'_ tan''', ' tk''''I'''''''':' g"'","''''',., ffi 0 fir �.4.,.. , '' j'4,L' 4 - *? r %.. ,. x. is $,`',/ � fr. t$ �'. Af 4. c %. Milt, Safer from Wildfires is a ground-up approach to wildfire resilience with three layers of protection— for the structure,the immediate surroundings,and the community.Following these achievable steps can help you save money on your insurance. `g_ . , WI ( 400 iiit, Safer from Wildfires was created by an interagency partnership between Insurance —, Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the emergency response and readiness agencies in E ���S wee�,��,�,, �� Governor Gavin Newsom's administration.Learn more at i,. ,' n o.ca.g Figure 15 Safer from Wildfires Flyer, Page 1 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 53 of 74 266 Wildfires Hit Home 3 Ways to Get Started with Safer from Wildfires Don't know where to start?Here are 3 low-cost steps you can take today. Keep embers out Clear the first 5 feet Be safer together Installing 1/16 to 1/8 inch Removing greenery and replacing wood With Firewise USA,communities as noncombustible,corrosion-resistant metal chips with stone or decomposed granite small as 8 dwelling units or as big as mesh screens over attic vents can keep 5 feet around your home prevents fire 2,500 can create an action plan and wind-blown embers out of your house. from getting a foot in the door. start being safer together.Firewise USA is a nationally recognized program Do more save more with proven results,sponsored by the / National Fire Prevention Association. Every action under Safer€tore}'I,+ddfires will qualify you for an insurance discount By doing more,you can save more. Scan to find more resources • Class A fire rated roof • 5-foot Noncombustible ember-resistant zone around the of allse _' • Noncombustible 6 inches at the bottom of walls CM • Ember-and hre-resistant vents • k■ • Double pane windows or added shutters .i •'�{. • Enclosed eaves • V • Cleared vegetation and debris from under decks kV; ` ' �' • Move sheds and outbuildings at least 30 feet away MI6 o • Trim trees and remove brush in compliance with state and local defensible space laws ` • • Neighborhoods can forma Firewise USA community • • • • • Cities,counties,and local districts can become certified as a Fire Risk Reduction Community Figure 16 Safer from Wildfires Flyer, Page 2 Page 54 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 267 Wildfires Hit Home Appendix C Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map of Orange County fney r_ n i La Habra �� r 44 ,Norwalk r' �� �orona . —� i�� -44,241*� ,Cerritos `N �``" .,i '� Fullerton _� I Anaheim r �` .',iiii// 11, i; ()range ., \ )) --„,,,,..._ ta..b. Sant Ana Fou tain Valley rt •. Irvine ,. Huntington r t: ::„,,,,„ ore `�, Beach * Ran+ o to ' a . Mar ri r 1' Newport 8e b -,,,(1,:„...,. ff iirMisso=n Viejo f Lagune eactv i Laguna Niguel Fire Harard Seventy Zones(FHSZ)in Local Responsibility 11114IF illiroj_ :j Area(IRA).as Identified by the State Fire Marshal -Very riv, !i=r< Vote'ate Fee Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility Area(SRA).Effective April 1.2024 San Clemente Figure 17 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map of Orange County Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 55 of 74 268 Wildfires Hit Home Appendix D 4 CALIFORNIA FIRE HARDENING AND DEFENSIBLE SPACE ASSOCIATION DISCLOSURE AND ADDENDUM _ OF REALTORS (C.A.R.Form FHDS.Revised 5/25) 1 This is a disclosure and addendum to the Purchase Agreement,OR 0 Other ("Agreement"). dated_____ .on property known as ("Property"), in which is referred to as Buyer, and. is referred to as Seller. 1. LAW APPLICABILITY:If this property does not meet the conditions stated in paragraph 1A or 18.there is no requirement to complete the subsequent applicable paragraphs. A. Home Fire Hardening Disclosure:The Notice and disclosure of vulnerabilities in paragraph 2 are only required for sellers of zone:and (Iv) properties if):(i)the Proe pppeeerr{tyy contains one to ffyour units;(ii)the seller is required to complete a Transfeh fire hazard r yDisclosure Statement(C,A.R,Form NOT MET.Improvement(s) tDOESO on NO HAVE TO ANSWER were THE QU is d ESTNS IN PARAGRAPH In either a high or 28 Y OhF 2C FOUR CONDITIONS IS 8. Defensible Space Compliance:The disclosures and requirements specified in paragraph 3 are only required for sellers of residential properties it(i)the Property contains one to four units;(II)the seller is required to complete a Transfer Disclosure Statement(C.A.R.Form TDS or MHTDS):and(ill)the Property is located In either a high or very high fire hazard severity zone. IF ANY OF THESE THREE CONDITIONS IS NOT MET,PARAGRAPH 3 DOES NOT HAVE TO BE COMPLETED. C. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Status:It may be possible to determine if a property is in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone by consulting with a natural hazard zone disclosure company or reviewing the company's report.This information may also be available through a local agency where this information should have been filed. Cal Fire has a"Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer"where you can input the Property address to determine which fire hazard zone,if any,that the Property is located In. A link to the viewer can be found on Cal Fire's website at https://www.fire.ca.gov/tispace/. 2. FIRE HARDENING DISCLOSURE(Li Property is built on or after January 1,2010. Paragraphs 2B and 2C do not have to be completed): A. FIRE HARDENING STATUTORY NOTICE: "THIS HOME IS LOCATED IN A HIGH OR VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE AND THIS HOME WAS BUILT BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WILDFIRE URBAN INTERFACE BUILDING CODES WHICH HELP TO FIRE HARDEN A HOME.TO BETTER PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRE,YOU MIGHT NEED TO CONSIDER IMPROVEMENTS. INFORMATION ON FIRE HARDENING.INCLUDING CURRENT BUILDING STANDARDS AND INFORMATION ON MINIMUM ANNUAL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT STANDARDS TO PROTECT HOMES FROM WILDFIRES.CAN BE OBTAINED ON THE INTERNET WEBSITE HTTPJIWWW.READYFORWILOFIRE.ORG". 8. FIRE HARDENING VULNERABILITIES:Are you(Seller)aware of the following features that may make the home vulnerable to wildfire and flying embers(Seller is riot obligated to explain or clarify their responses to questions 2B(1)-2B(6),whether they answer"yes"or to."Voluntary explanation/clarification is permitted but not required). (1) Eave.soffit,and root ventilation where the vents have openings in excess of one-eighth of an Inch or are not flame and ember resistant ❑Yes L I No (2) Roof coverings made of untreated wood shingles or shakes 0 Yes 0 No (3) Combustible landscaping or other materials within five feet of the home and under the footprint of any attached deck ❑Yes 0 No (4 Single pane or non-tempered glass windows O Yes 0 No (5 Loose or missing bird stopping or roof flashing 0 Yes O No (6 Rain gutters without metal or noncombustible gutter covers 0 Yes O No Explanation/Clarification: C. LIST OF LOW COST RETROFITS:The following is a list of low cost retrofits developed and listed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection(CAL FIRE)and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services(OES). More information on home hardening Is available at readytorwildfire.org. A list of low cost retrofits with dynamic links can be found at https:// rear,rforwildfire.org/wo-content`upioads/2025/041Low-Cost-Retrofit-Fyer-Handout-.pdf. Have you(Seller)completed any of the following low-cost retrofits during the time you have owned the property?(If the retrofit was partially completed or only applied to a portion of the Identified feature.or If similar work was performed,or it your response below needs clarification,provide the explanation/clarification below. If you are unsure if the retrofit item was completed or satisfied the conditions specified,check"No",and provide any explanation/clarification below.) (1) Roof replaced with Class A fire-rated roof O Yes 0 No (2) Spaces between roof covering and sheathing blocked with non-combustible materials(bird stops) O Yes 0 No (3) Installation of noncombustible gutter cover on gutters to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris In the gutter 0 Yes 0 No (4) Covered chimney and stovepipe outlets with a noncombustible corrosion-resistant metal mesh screen(spark arrestor).with 3/8 inch to h inch openings ❑Yes O No (5) Install ember and flame-resistant vents CI Yes O No (6) Caulk and plug gaps greater than 1/8-inch around exposed ratters and blocking to prevent ember intrusion into the attic or other enclosed spaces ❑Yes O No (7) Inspect exterior siding for dry rot,gaps,cracks,and warping.Caulk or plug gaps greater than I'8-inch in siding and replace any damaged boards.Including those with dry rot i Yea 0 No (8) Install weather-strIppIng to gaps greater than 1/8-inch between garage doors and door frames to prevent ember Intrusion.The weather-stripping must be compliant with UL Standard 10O 0 Yes 0 No (9) Replace windows with multi-paned windows that have at least one pane of tempered glass 0 Yes C}No (10)Replace siding or deck using compliant noncombustible,ignition-resistant,or other OSFM Wiidtand Urban Interface(WUI) Products O Yes L) No 0 2025,.Cal,lorna.Association of REALTORSS),Inc: Cli FHDS REVISED 6/25(PAGE 1 OF 2) Buyer's Initials / Seller s Ini:O5 J.,>"i.„ FIRE HARDENING AND DEFENSIBLE SPACE DISCLOSURE AND ADDENDUM(FHDS PAGE 1 OF 2) Figure 18 Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Disclosure, Page 1 Page 56 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 269 Wildfires Hit Home (11)Cover openings to operable skylights with a noncombustible metal mesh screen with openings in the screen not to exceed 1/8 inch 0 Yes❑ No (12)Install a minimum 6-inch metal flashing, applied vertically on the exterior of the wall at the deck-to-wall intersection to protect the combustible siding material ❑Yes 0 No ExplanatioreCtarification_ 3. DEFENSIBLE SPACE DISCLOSURE AND ADDENDUM:(Paragraph 3 Is only required to be completed If all three conditions in paragraph 18 are met;the Defensible Space Decision Tree (CAR. Form DSDT) may be consulted for additional information on how to complete this paragraph): A. LOCAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:The Property(O IS,❑is NOT)subject to a local vegetation management ordinance requiring defensible space around an improvement on the Property. (Paragraphs 38 and 3C must be completed regardless of the answer to paragraph 3A if the conditions In paragraph 1 B are met.) B. SELLER REPRESENTATION OF PROPERTY COMPLIANCE with the applicable State defensible space requirement or local vegetation management ordinance(hereafter;State or local defensible space law)at the time of Seller signature: (1) Seller is UNAWARE of whether the Property is in compliance with the applicable State or local defensible space law. Setter does NOT have a report prepared by an Authorized Defensible Space Inspector. OR(2) [1 Property IS In compliance with State or local defensible space law,whichever is applicable.If ONLY State law applies,Seller must have obtained compliance within the last 6 months. Seller shall Deliver to Buyer documentation of compliance within 3(or )Days after Seller's execution of this FHDS form or the time specified in paragraph 3N(1)of the Agreement, whichever occurs last. If this paragraph Is checked,also check paragraph 3C(5)below. OR(3) ❑Property Is NOT In compliance with State or local defensible space law,whichever is applicable. If Seller has,or agrees to obtain,a report prepared by an Authorized Defensible Space Inspector,Seller shall Deliver such report to Buyer within 3(or )Days after Seller's execution of this FHDS form or the time specified in paragraph 3N(1)of the Agreement, whichever occurs last. C. BUYER AND SELLER AGREEMENT REGARDING WHICH PARTY SHALL OBTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE OR LOCAL DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIREMENTS: (1) BUYER RESPONSIBILITY-NO LOCAL ORDINANCE. Buyer shall obtain documentation of compliance with the State defensible space law within one year of Close Of Escrow.* OR(2) ❑ BUYER RESPONSIBILITY - LOCAL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE IN EFFECT which requires compliance as a result of a sale of the Property.The local ordinance allows either Seller or Buyer to obtain documentation of compliance. Buyer shall comply with the requirements of the ordinance after Close Of Escrow. OR(3) ❑BUYER RESPONSIBILITY—LOCAL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE IN EFFECT which does NOT require compliance as a result of a sale of the Property. Buyer Shall obtain documentation of compliance with the State defensible space law within one year of Close Of Escrow,*or if applicable comply with the local requirement after Close Of Escrow. OR(4) ❑ SELLER RESPONSIBILITY - LOCAL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE IN EFFECT which requires compliance as a result of a sale of the Property. The local ordinance requires Seller to obtain documentation of compliance prior to Close of Escrow. Seller shalt obtain documentation of compliance prior to the time for Buyer's final verification of condition. OR(5) 0 SELLER RESPONSIBILITY-STATE OR LOCAL COMPLIANCE ALREADY COMPLETE. If ONLY state lawapplies, Seller has obtained documentation of compliance with State defensible space requirement within the last 6 months. For either State or local law,Seller shall Deliver documentation of compliance to Buyer; OR(6) ❑SELLER RESPONSIBILITY-AGREEMENT TO OBTAIN STATE COMPLIANCE. Seller shall obtain documentation of compliance and Deliver to Buyer prior to the time for Buyer's final verification of condition. D. The local agency from which a copy of the documentation in paragraph 38(2),38(3),3C(4),3C(5),or 3C(6),as applicable,may be obtained is ,which may be contacted at *The requirement to provide documentation of compliance with State defensible space requirements only applies If there Is a state or local agency,-or other governmental entity,or qualified non-profit entity in the jurisdiction where the Property is located that is authorized to inspect the Property and provide documentation of compliance("Authorized Defensible Space Inspector'). 4. ❑FINAL INSPECTION REPORT DISCLOSURE:The Property was newly constructed,or was rebuilt following damage by a fire and the construction required a permit,and Seller has obtained a final inspection report addressing compliance with home lire hardening recommended building standards as described in Government Code§51182. Seller has a copy of the report,and It is attached,or❑Seller does not have a copy of the report and Buyer may obtain a copy at Seller represents that Seller has provided the answers on paragraphs 28 and 38 of this form based on Seller's awareness on the date of Seller's signature below,and the answers on paragraph 2C are accurate. Seller acknowledges receipt of this Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Disclosure and Addendum and agrees to the applicable terms In paragraph 3C. Seller Date Seller ---_-----•-- Date. By signing below,Buyer acknowledges that they have received a copy of this Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Disclosure and Addendum,and they have read and understand the form and agree to the terms in paragraph 3C. Buyer Date Buyer Date C 2025,Calirornia Association of REALTORSS,Inc.United States copyright law(Tire 17 U.S.Codel forbids the unauthorized distribution,citep.a d a--pro uctw of tits form, or awrry ppoortion fhereoi,by pho±acopy machine or any other means.indud�nq feesio de or computerized formats THIS FORM HAS BEEN API ISO J_-D 1W 1 HI C: 7,8',Nl4 ASSOOATION.OF REALTORS''.NO REPRESENTATION tS MADE AS TOTHE LEGAL VAUOITY ORACCURACYOF ANY PROVISION IN Atilt SPEC{PI-,^.i RANSAGTIOr4.A REAL ESTATE BROKER ISTHE PERSON QUALIFIED TO ADVISE ON REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS IF YOU DESIRE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE.CONSULT A lv APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL.This form is made available to real estate professionals through an agreement with or purchase from the California Association of REALTORS=) • Published and Distributed by:REAL ESTATE BUSINESS SERVICES.LLC.asabv avy of die Ca✓ior iaAssozia n ofREALTOPS' NOS REVISED 6/25(PAGE 2 OF 2) KO.MAIM OrrONTiUnTY FIRE HARDENING AND DEFENSIBLE SPACE DISCLOSURE AND ADDENDUM(FHDS PAGE 2 OF 2) Figure 19 Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Disclosure, Page 2 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 57 of 74 270 Wildfires Hit Home Appendix E California Department of Insurance Data 1991-2024 CALIFORNIA P&C HISTORICAL PREMIUM AND LOSS Line of Business: HOMEOWNERS MULTIPLE PERIL[04] YEAR WRITTEN PREMIUM %Chg. Co.001mt EARNED PREMIUM INCURRED LOSS LOSS RATIO 1991 2,398,651,496 191 2349,924.901 2791,008371 118/7% 1992 2,555,745,940 6.5% 188 2,468,835.484 1,980200,380 80,21% 1993 2,669,536.350 4.5% 179 2,588,229,132 2,260,932,154 87.35% 1994 2,757,073,066 3.3% 176 2.688.902,970 1,957,548.203 72.80% 1995 2,934,990,317 65% 180 2,828,528,558 2,170,026.959 76.72% 1996 -3,090,172,058 5.3% 157 2,992,922,532 1,536,204,414 51:33% 1997 3,219,673.063 4.2% 156 3,128,673,253 1,493.329,331 47.73% 1998 3,445,849.365 7.0% 153 3,358,899,095 1,758,775,892 5236% 1999 3,560,100,595. 3.3% 163 3,476.827,465 1,663,998,077 47.86% 2000 3,740,477,538 5.1% 161 3.676,266,079 1,908,291220 51.91% 2001 3,992,960,925 68% 166 3,866,932.308 2,474,244,352 63.98% 2002 4,565,626,156 14.3% 152 4,211.592,936 2,476,270,849 58.80% 2003 5,296,194,308 160% 148 4,935,892,774 3,647,291,668 73.89% 2004 5,843,429.606 10.3% 125 5,560,574,064 1,715,301.749 3085% 2006 6,305,176,422 7,9% 113 6,065,178,507 2,063.072,529 3402% 2006 6,591,912,516 4,5% 111 6,436,870,073 2,147,266,579 33.36% 2007 6,453,088,200 .2.1% 111 6,568,857,449 4,675,914.725 71.18% 2008 6.355,980,869 -1.5% 113 6,386.251,776 3.452.898,028 54.07% 2009 6,513,371,686 2.5% 115 6.391,096,439 2,209,791,955 34.58% 2010 6,758,183,845 3.8% 114 6,612,865,838 2,870,059,793 43,40% 2011 6,896,796,197 2.1% 112 6,832,454,959 2,890230,414 42.30% 2012 7,018,043,553 1 8% 116 6,962,824,501 3,076,419,837 44.18% 2013 7,033,097,194 0.2% 117 7,038,071457 3,189,727,981 45.32% 2014 7,202,319,845 2.4% 116 7,031937,018 3,35.1.846,286 47.67% 2019 7,409,994,305 2.9% 117 7,248,990.918 4,230850.026 58.36% 2016 7,645,677,515 32% 107 7,475,784,553 4,047,329,931 54.14% 2017 7,761,932,830 15% 108 7,664,490.935 15,418,577,650 201.17% 2018 8,266,332,994 65% 112 7,983,075,132 13,577455,112 170,08% 2019 9,004,847,173 89% 117 8,631,287,540 2,818,562,833 3266% 2020 9.767,233243 85% 118 9,362270,255 3,539,955,749 37,81% 2021 10,912,068,287 11.7% 118 10,298,463,872 4,753,166,698 46.15% 2022 12,084,613,385 10.7% 111 11,480,004,192 6,333.910,318 55.17% 2023 13218,555,040 9.4% 105 12.615,427,773 7,990,111,685 63.34% 2024 14,516,380,112 9.8% 101 13,749,361,196 6,760,543.067 49.17% PREMIUMS COMPANY COUNT 16,000,000,000 200 14,000,000,000 12,000000000 180 10,000,000,000 160 8,000,000,000 6,000,000,000- - - 140 4,000,000,000 2,000,000,000 .1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i f 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 120 $ 8 S R R 88 -a 8 R R 100 gg li R gg gg R igg d R g R tZ.. IZL 2 -o-WRITTEN MEN,iUN --I-EARNED AFIEN.NN INCURRED LOSS LOSS RATIO 20,000,000,000 250% 16,000,000,000 -- 200%--- -__v 12,000,000,000 ---1 150% 8,000.000,000 100% 4,000,000,000 i _ -1/4 0 _ _ $ g n, .n m 0% 11ttiIill'iliitititt;Ittiiiii 1171 7n id R EZ 21 - ,82 R R R tZ !8 8 8 8 Note:This report includes only California licensed companies with written premium California Department of Insurance greeter than zero. Rate Specialist.Bureau-April 30,2025 Figure 20 California Property and Casualty Insurance Company Homeowners Premium and Loss Page 58 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 271 Wildfires Hit Home Firm Hazard CDI Wildfire Residential Dwellings Residential Percentage of Zip Code Seventy Zone Distress Area City Vanity City or Location Insured by Voluntary Dwellings Insured Residential Dwellings Market by FAIR Plan Insured by FAIR Plan 90620 Norte Buena Park 10,826 20 0.2% Buena Park Los Coyotes CC 3.863 19 0.5% 90623 None La Patina 3,701 7 0.2% 90630 None Cypress 10,692 22 0.2% La Habra Westrkige CC 12,999 274 2.1% 90680 None Stanton 3,591 9 0.3% 90720 None Los Alamitos 5,821 4 0.1% 90740 None Seal Beach 4,741 6 0.1% 90742 None Huntington Beach Sunset Beach 303 4 1..3% 90743 None Seal Beach Surrside 139 2 1.4% Irvine Loma Ridge 5.755 23 0.4% Irvine Turtle Rock,Shady 4,115 20 0.5% Canyon 92604 None Irvine 4,660 3 0.1% 92606 None Irvine 3,195 1 0.0% Lake Forest Foothill Ranch 2,996 41 1.4% 17 s u t ` re Irvine William R.Masai c r 1 1,574 1 0.1% ; R.•ionalPark 92614 None Irvine 3,102 4 0.1% 92617 M,None Irvine UCI 993 0 0.0% Irvine Cnyna Altura Borr ego 9.789 17 0.2% Irvine Stonegate 12,171 11 0.1%. rM7i?.s".H ..None'' Dana Point Capistrano Beach 2,255 4 0.2%' Newport Beach Corona Del Mar 4,423 7 0.2% 92626 None Costa Mesa 8,817 4 0.0% mar :** Costa Mesa Talbert Regional Park 9,748 14 0.1% Dana Point Crown Valley Pkwy. 7,229 8 0.1% Lake Forest Saddleback Church 14.090 24 02% Laguna Woods Laguna Canyon 545 0 0.0% '264 None Huntington Beach 14.923 11 0.1% 647 None Huntington Beach 11,451 14 0.1% 2• None' Huntington Beach 8,997 6 0.1% BnghtwaterDr.. t Huntington Beach rxeanridgeDr. 13.363 6 0.1% Laguna Beach 8,760 459 5.0% Laguna Hills North Laguna Hills 6,266 13 0.2% 92655 None Unincorporated OC Midway City 1,408 1 O1% Aliso Viejo Wood Canyon Dr. 7,537 37 0.5% Newport Beach Newport Coast 3.133 100 3.1% 9 -. 3 Newport Beach Newport Ridge 7,209 15 0.2% --..,*.,,f40,:,;: Clubhouse 92661 None Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula 1,683 4 0.2% 92662 None Newport Beach Balboa Island 1,367 1 0.1% 92663 M.None Newport Beach Canyon Park 5.479 10 0.2% San Clemente8,901 37 0.4%. San Clemente 7,804 42 0.5% ,v2'.i7K :f\'1 H f1 NCrr: San Juan Capistrano :8,415 58. O7% �r, '' I•H Unincorporated DC Silverado 156 550 77.9% q:,*(w i+JI I H NI,Norio Laguna Niguel Pacific Island Dr.,Salt 14,861 112 0:7% Creek Open Space —717i7,1---174.----- Unincorporated OC Tratwco Canyon 16 15 48.4% Trabuco. Canyon,Coto de ,7.3 VIE I{ M Uni ncorporated OC 8,019 1,052 11.6% Caza,Dove Canyon Note: P. O. Boxes are excluded from this list. Data is for calendar year 2022 and includes homeowners (excluding condominium), mobile home, dwelling fire owner-and tenant-occupied insuring structures with four or less units. Source: California Department of Insurance Figure 21 FAIR Plan Data for Orange County Zip Codes 90620-92679 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 59 of 74 272 Wildfires Hit Home Fire Hazard CM W1Mtin Residential Dwellings Residential Percentage of Zip Code Severity Zone Distress Area City Vanity City or Location Insured by Voluntary Dwellings Insured Residential Dwellings Market by FAIR Plan Insured by FAIR Plan 92683 None Westminster 16.837 20 0.1% Rancho Santa Margarita 7,872 52 0.7% Mission Viejo Wilderness Glen Park 11,920 10 0.1% Mission Viejo 12,832 26 0.2%. Unincorporated OC Ladera Ranch 7,453 42 06% 92697 None Irvine UCI 0 0 0.0% 92698 None Aliso Viejo 0 0 0.0% 92701 None Santa Ana 3,818 77 2.0% 92703 None Santa Ana 7,396 97 1.3% 92704 None Santa Ana 10,533 82 0.8% Santa Ana Cowan Heights:Peters 9,699 34 0.3% Canyon 92706 None Santa Ma 5,507 6 0:1% 92707 None Santa Aria 7.554 77 1.0% 92708 None Fountain Valley 13,293 9 0.1% 92780 None Tustin 7;315 2 0.0% Tustin Pioneer Road Park 4.483 12 0.3% 92801 None Anaheim 6.802 20 0.3% 92802 None Anaheim 4,421 15 0.3% 92804 None Anaheim 11,474 22 02% 92805 None Anaheim 8;715 24 0.3% 92806 None Anaheim 5.357 11 0.2% Anaheim Walnut Canyon Reservoir 9,178 67 0.7% Anaheim Anaheim Hills 4.648 34 0 7% 92809 None Anaheim o 0 0.0% Brea 8,838 64 0.7% Brea Carbon Canyon Rd. 1,380 55 3.8% Panorama Nature Fullerton Preserve 5.326 11 0.2% 92832 None Fullerton 3,846 7 0,2% Fullerton Ralph B.Clark Park 10,168 22 0.2% Fullerton Rolling Hills Parts, 6.157 11 0.2% Laguna Lake Park 92840 None Garden Grove 8,946 6 0.1% 92841 None Garden Grove 6.013 2 0.0% 92843 None Garden Grove 6,064 9 0.1% 92844 None Garden Grove 2.763 1 0.0% 92845 None Garden Grove 4,808 1 0.0% Villa Park 1.964 2 411% Unincorporated OC Black Star Canyon 6 0 0 0% 92865 None Orange 4,257 10 0:2% 92866 None Orange 3;048 1 0.0% Santiago Oaks Regional Orange Park 9943 12 0.1% 92868 None Orange 2,776 3 0.1% Orange El Modena Open Space 8.215 25 0.3% 92870 None Placentia 10,759 15 0.1% Yorba Linda Black Gold GC 13,587 82 06% Yorba Linda Box Canyon Park 5,210 217 4.0% 92799 None Santa Ma Distribution Center 0 0 0.0% 92850 None Anaheim 0 0 0.0% 92899 None Anaheim Distribution Center 0 0 0.0% Totals 588,062 4,387 0.7% Note: P. O. Boxes are excluded from this list. Data is for calendar year 2022 and includes homeowners (excluding condominium), mobile home, dwelling fire owner-and tenant-occupied insuring structures with four or less units. Source: California Department of Insurance Figure 22 FAIR Plan Data for Orange County Zip Codes 92680—92899 Page 60 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 273 Wildfires Hit Home Appendix F OCFA and Covered Cities OCFA COVERAGE ".w^...arIfr Ca.rayfa..A..."6,3 y AV♦.t.or.i r..,..,.....0,..,/tr.MO v. ≤2c<t •;..tw.wgMCv.nrr rxt4,.....cc.,..r...ti...TN CCdY r.4+t.c'. ,,,..t,AAri<re'dbaa?a hso,.t.ni Ti,vi.1._.+,..wtvv4 flotM4.h.t#),, ...-.m...,•,. ........., H, C.waat.0.a e.ww r-...:a+rcar...l t-.pa x-..0.wttw.w 0.0.. i. ��;.'0. . orse _a CITY CiALISOYEA ORMBOFMAM CMOfcTPIESS INTOFOAIGPOST u r , r f'ks, ;01 It.74, ..,.V.4` Pr' • t'ra»w CRYOFtJOtOQant OI►OfOTW CRT OftA1WG CITY OfIMMOIOUS 1 .t a OTT OFUAAAIK NEUE1 CM Of LIZIMATOOOS CIUTOF LAO MUT CITY OF1CSALUMS OTT OfPOSStOMTO.O OTT OFRUCOMSAMTA CM OF WI C1.9011 OTT OfSAARAAMA MAMMA 4 STANTON 1 ;! ' 4" 1--,,.. �S mss. A 4. tisTts CITY OF SWUM WYOFSANJIAM OTT OFSfMA UCH CRTOFTISTDI WORM j/ly��,�/e;w Y° 1: "fit" r{ ALLIA„ y • >f O -YC4 FO*'," OTT SALAMX all OfWISttil R OTT OfTOVIAUIGA DINT OfMAKE Figure 23 Orange County Fire Authority Covered Cities Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 61 of 74 274 Wildfires Hit Home Orange County Fire Jurisdictions Anaheim Fire Department Huntington Beach Fire Department 201 S.Anaheim Blvd., Suite 301 2000 Main St. Anaheim,CA 92805 Huntington Beach,CA 92648 714-765-4000 714-536-5411 Brea Fire Department La l lahra- LA County Fire Department 1 Civic Center Circle 1320N. Eastern Avenue Brea,CA 92821 Los Angeles,CA 90063-3220 714-990-7600 323-881-2411 Costa Mesa Fire Department Laguna Beach Fire Department 2803 Royal Palm Dr. 505 Forest Ave. Costa Mesa,CA 92628 Laguna Beach,CA 92651 714-754-5106 949-497-3311 Fountain Valley Fire Department Newport Beach Fire Department 10200 Slater Ave. 3300 Newport Blvd. Fountain Valley,CA 92708 Newport Beach,CA 92663 714-593-4436 949-644-3104 Fullerton Fire Department Orange Fire Department 312 E. Commonwealth Ave. 176 S.Grand Ave. Fullerton,CA 92832 Orange,CA 92866 714-738-6500 714-288-2500 Placentia Fire and Life Safety Dept. Orange County Fire Authority 401 E Chapman Avenue I Fire Authority Road Placentia,CA 92870 Irvine, CA 92602 714 9938117 714-573-6000 The OCF.t provides fire srrrtees far the follow tng cities: Aliso liejo•Buena Pan*•C press•Dana Pout:•Garden Gnn •Irvine •Laguna Hills•Lopata Niguel•Laguna Woods•Lake Forest•La Palma•Los.Ilamita s•AIusion 174o•Rancho Santa hlargarua •San Clemente•San Juan Capiarono• Santa Ana•Seal Beach•Stanton•Tusan•;Via Park•Westminster•Yorba Linda•and (.nutcorporated Areas of Orange County DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES Figure 24 Orange County Fire Jurisdictions Page 62 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 275 Wildfires Hit Home Appendix G Ready, Set, Go!, Zone 0 At-A-Glance and Links REA...+,-..SET. -DY.IMMEDIATE K1 The main objective of the Immediate Zone, or 0 to 5 feet zone,is to reduce the potential that embers landing near a building will ignite fuels and expose the area around a home to a direct flame. Changes,made to the Immediate Zone can make a big impact in reducing <NIr structure loss during a wildfire • Use hardscape like gravel,pavers,concrete and other noncombustible material.No combustible bark or mulch • Remove all dead and dying weeds,grass,plants,shrubs,trees, branches and vegetative debris(leaves,needles,cones,bark,etc.); -- Check your roofs,gutters,decks,porches,stairways,etc. • Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet • Limit plants in this area to tow growing(below 2 feet),nronwoody,, The Immediate properly watered and maintained plants Zone is the most • Limit combustible items(outdoor furniture,storage,planters,etc.)on important zone top of decks to reduce home • Relocate firewood and lumber 30 feet away from buildings ignition from flying • Replace combustible fencing,gates,and arbors attached to the home embers.Install with noncombustible alternative hard surfaces, • Consider relocating garbage and recycling containers outside this reduce vegetation, zone and eliminate • Consider relocating boats,RVs,vehicles and other combustible items combustible outside'this zone mulch. 7 MNnwast.zoo. •,c,y,k , ,*.733,„ \ f tv y rs sl . rHQBYC 3' Orange County For more information,please visit the OCFA-website or call Fire Authority (714)573-6774 to schedule a Wildfire Home Assessment. Regulations for wildfire safety are dynamic and new requirements maybe enacted by www.ocfa.org/RSG the State of California and its reguratoryagencies at any time Projects must comply with all state requirements for vegetation management and wildfire safety,in addition to the requirements to this guideline,in place at the time of plan submittal.Where a conflict between this guideline and other applicable regulations exists,the:more stringent or specific requirement will apply Figure 25 Ready, Set Go!Flyer for Immediate Zone Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 63 of 74 276 Wildfires Hit Home -�•is •* # x� {ria '` ".... • k, r.1 READY SET, G[!1 a , DEFENSIBLE 0-,..........--N-15.....,17.--,,E,..... „ni. . ' SPACE '� Defensible Space is an area between your house and an oncoming wildfire, where the vegetation has been controlled,trimmed,or removed to reduce wildfire threat from embers, flames,and intense heat. In order to offer wildfire protection,Defensible Space should reach at least 100 feet from the house,garage, and other buildings on the j property,or to the property line. In many cases,Defensible Space is )7,L.__„,,\ simply the front,side,and back yards of your home. \\. , Guidelines for Vegetation Management within 100 feet of your home include: • Remove all dead and dying plants • Recommend removal of vegetation found on the Undesirable Creating Defensible Plant List and replant using drought-tolerant,fire-resistive plants Space is the • Trim or remove plants to create the recommended vertical and duty of every horizontal separation between them resident living • Remove dry leaves,twigs,pine needles,etc.from the yard,roof, and rain gutters in an area • Install hard surfaces,reduce vegetation, and eliminate at risk for combustible mulch within 5 feet of home wildfires. It's not necessary to remove all vegetation around your home,but creating Defensible Space will give firefighters a better chance of keeping wildfire from spreading to your home. Mowing,weeding, 1.' '� pruning,thinning,spacing, and careful plant selection can make the difference between survival and losing your home during a wildfire. Consult a geologist prior to beginning maintenance if you have slope --�-" stability issues. ,�#las13�, Orange County Fire Authority ;.4•, . 4•e, www.ocfa.org/RSG For more information,please visit the OCFA website or call (714)573-6774 to schedule a Wildfire Home Assessment. Figure 26 Ready, Set, Go!Flyer on Defensible Space Page 64 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 277 Wildfires Hit Home � y `j, ' RE41 W, SET.6(.l! NA NC I _ The main objective of Home Hardening is to give your home the best chance to survive a wildfire. Home Hardening addresses the most vulnerable components of your home, which includes the construction materials that make up your home and the quality of defensible space surrounding it. All new homes built in the Wildland Urban Interface(WU1)are required to meet the minimum standards for the protection of life and property by increasing the home's ability to resist ember intrusion,direct flames,and radiant heat.Homes can be retrofitted to these new building requirements using the recommendations hsted below: 1. Roof-Ember-resistant material,Gaps are filled with ignition-resistant material.No loose roof flashing. 2. Eaves-Eaves are maintained with all gaps filled with caulking and Prepare(harden) painted over. your home now 3. Vents-1/8-inch metal mesh screen or ember proof vents. before a wildfire 4, Chimney-1/2-inch spark arrestor screen.Clear tree branches and/or starts! vegetation at least 10 feet away from opening. 5. Gutters-Install gutter guards.Remove combustible debris on a regular basis. 6. Exterior Siding-Exterior siding is maintained with all gaps filled with cadlking and painted over. 7. Doors-Weather-stripping around door frames and doors adjusted for a "tight fit"within the frame. 8. Windows-Multi-pane windows,with at least one pane being tempered, and metal framing. 9. Fences-Non-combustible or ignition-resistant material.Maintain fencing by keeping vegetation clear. 10. Patio Covers-Ignition-resistant material.Fill all gaps and crevices.4(i,i(..;S.*.:�' ►, Install metal flashing between the patio and outside wall. rr 11. Balconies&Decks- Ignition-resistant material,Fill all gaps between It' the deck and outside wall with caulking or metal flashing.Remove or 4.14, replace combustible items stored above and below. 12. Immediate Zone-No woody vegetation located within 5 feet of the home.No combustible items located within 5 feet of the home(trash bins,patio furniture,storage,mulch,etc.) Orange County Fire Authority Refer to the California Wifdland Urban Interface Code(CWUIC)for permits and specific requirements. www.ocfa.org/RSG For more information,please visit the OCFA website or call (714)573-6774 to schedule a Wildfire Home Assessment. Figure 27 Ready, Set, Go!Flyer for Home Hardening, Page 1 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 65 of 74 278 Wildfires Hit Home I1, ,• .o. 40rA0r, ,' vow 0414IW lot wog 1.Roof 2.Eaves 3.Vents 4.Chitwwys 5.Gutters 1 ., . 4 3 4 2 r :. 10 ,; 6.Exterior Siding 5 7 .4 11 7.Doors 12 9 1 r � 4 st It 8.Windows 9.Fences 10.Patio Covers 11.Balconies&Decks 12.Immediate Zone Figure 28 Ready, Set, Go!Flyer for Home Hardening, Page 2 Page 66 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 279 Wildfires Hit Home 4 `'•., P2L�'Di +sET. Leal VEGETATION '' ,..: MANAGEMENT ' -11 to:::. :' '-- d .. ,, ,t ar 14' 47::,1, Vegetation Management is controlling plant rrraferiat to pit'V 'tivildfire spread.It requires a constant commitment to follow the 4 R's of Vegetation Management to reduce the threat. Removal: Remove all dead and dying plants within 100 feet of your home 0 • Identify and remove plants found on OCFA's Undesirable Plant List - Remove dry leaves,bark and pine needles from the yard,roof, and rain gutters Reduction: • Prune and thin plants within 100 feet of your home,including your plants within 100 feet of your neighbor's home Vegetation Provide 6 feet vertical separation between shrub tops and lower Management tree branches to reduce"ladder fuels" isn't a one- - Use Horizontal Separation Guidelines for plants over 2 feet in time fix. It's height(15 feet minimum or 3 times the tallest plant) an ongoing - Keep all shrubs within 10 feet of your home trimmed to 2 feet or commitment. lower • Prune or remove plants near windows - Remove all tree branches or plants within 10 feet of chimney outlets • Move wood piles at least 30 feet from your home,or to the property line + - Keep annual grasses and weeds cut to 4 inches or less iot ". Replacement: IfIZO fit • Replace fire prone plants with fire-resistant and drought tolerant ' s a plants.See the OCFA Planting Guide for recommendations :ru • When putting in new plants,leave enough space for them to grow to mature size Orange County • Any vegetation over 2 feet cannot be within 15 feet of a tree Fire Authority canopy Resistant: www.acfa.argtRSG • Use fire-resistant plants whenever possible • Keep in mind that even plants listed on the Planting Guide must be maintained using Spacing Guidelines for both vertical and horizontal separation.Plant separation is an important part reducing wildfire threat For more information, please visit the OCFA website or call (714) 573-6774 to schedule a wildfire home assessment. Figure 29 Ready, Set, Go!Flyer on Vegetation Management Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 67 of 74 280 Wildfires Hit Home —.------Kt,---s- Ail Bnark vM � AWARE ,4':viv Embers are burning pieces of vegetation or other flammable material and are the leading cause of structural damage and home loss from a wildfire. Once they're picked up by strong winds,embers can travel as much as five miles in front of the active front of a wildfire.Before flames get anywhere near your home, embers can land in dry or flammable vegetation or small open spaces on your roof or walls,and ignite, threatening your home. If embers fall on and ignite nearby plants,the radiant heat created by the fire can burn combustible siding,doors,or window frames.Radiant heat can also cause windows to break,creating openings that allow In order to flames and embers to enter your home.Once the home is on fire,it successfully will create more embers that can be picked up by winds,travel to other protect your homes and neighborhoods,and increase fire damage for the entire. home,you need community. to understand the real threat Embers create a huge threat during a wildfire. It's the steps you take during a wildfire. now to make your home and landscaping more ember-resistant that will protect your family,your home,and your community during the next wildfire.Take responsibility! ME fit ""74.- � . 474770 . Orange County Fire Authority ° . www.ocfa.org/RSG For more information,please visit the OCFA website or call (714)573-6774 to schedule a Wildfire Home Assessment. Figure 30 Ready, Set, Go!On Be Ember Aware Page 68 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 281 Wildfires Hit Home - 4, RE4EE, SET, UM NOME ,, ASSESSMENT A Wildfire Home Assessment is a meeting at with a Fire Department representative, who will give you tips on how to better protect your home from a wildfire. Experts can't tell you when the next wildfire will happen,but they do know that wildfires can happen at any time in Southern California.Many residents have not taken the most basic steps to protect their families, homes and neighborhoods from Orange County's#1 fire risk. 001"."› 2' During your FREE Wildfire Home Assessment,the outside of your home and property,along with other risk factors,will be evaluated.Then,you'll be given specific steps you can take to reduce your home's vulnerability to wildfire. Don't wait. Many proven tips to help your home survive a wildfire are available 24/7 Set up a at ocfa.org,including: FREE Home Assessment to Landscaping Construction Safety protect your Plant Selection Balconies&Decks Ember Awareness home today. Spacing Chimneys As Wildfire Approaches Separation Fences Wildfire Evacuation Dead&Dying Plants Garages If You Get Trapped Fuel Modification Patio Covers Disaster Kits&Go!Bags Creating Defensible Space Rain Gutters Red Flag Warnings Vegetation Management Roofs,Eaves,&Vents Walls and Siding Windows ION ,. Homes survive wildfires because of what you do to prepare for them ahead of time,not by fate or luck. No matter where you live,or how much money you can spend,there are things that you can do right now to help e protect your home. �'rxoa10 To schedule your FREE ''1,,,..,. � ';'-'7.7747-1; :l''' ,,,11 3 Home Assessment: 40,.0,„-`. Orange CountyEl ' © ,t "'"° Fire Authority r �i�' ' M' ti . .,,.�, h i www.ocfa.org/RSG i ^ tij,L ► Figure 31 Ready, Set, Go!Flyer on Home Assessment Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 69 of 74 282 Wildfires Hit Home Wildfire Home Risk Assessment Are You READY'? fTh D'I3 1. n"- Directions:Answer each question using assigned point values as it applies to the home. If the question does not apply,score it as a zero.Total the points to determine the risk level for the home. Home Condition found Recommendation Points Total The home has all non-combustible siding(brick,stucco,metal) o The home has some vinyl siding 5 Replace siding with non-combustible material The home has some wood siding 10 The roof material is non-combustible(metal,composition,tile)with no areas for lire embers to intrude(i.e.has bird 0 stops,flashing at valleys,and blocking) The roof has wood shakes or areas for fire embers to Replace wood shake with Class A root assembly with 20 intrude approved"blocking"material. Eliminate intrusion areas All chimneys have spark arresters 0 Some chimneys do not have spark arresters Install spark arresters with 1/2"non-combustible mesh' 5 All gutters and roof are clear of combustible debris 0 Clear all combustible debris from roof and gutters.Install Some gutters and/or root have combustible debris present screens on gutters to reduce the accumulation of 5 combustible debris' All eaves are boxed to prevent ember collection underneath 0 Plug openings in open-eave areas with durable caulk. Install Some eaves are not boxed a non-combustible covering over blocking to eliminate 5 openings All windows are dual pane with durable frame(one pane is tempered). 0 Some windows are single pane or have wood frames or do Replace with dual pane windows with a durable frame. One 5 not have any tempered glass pane should be tempered All eave and cornice vents are baffled.All other vents are protected with 1/8"non-combustible mesh 0 Some eave vents and cornice vents are present and are Replace eave and cornice vents with approved baffled vents. not baffled or some vents are not protected by 1/8'non- Protect all other vents with 1/8"non-combustible mesh. 10 combustible mesh Keep the areas around the vents clear of vegetation Patio cover is constructed or covered with non-combustible material{brick,stucco,metal)or is not within 10'of home 0 Patio cover is constructed with uncovered combustible Replace with non-combustible material or cover with non- 5 material and is within 10'of home combustible material (brick,stucco,metal) All balconies are constructed or covered with non-combustible material(brick,stucco,metal,tile,etc.). Undersides are 0 protected to prevent ember accumulation Some balconies are constructed with combustible material Replace with non-combustible material or cover with non- or combustible material is exposed or undersides are combustible material. Protect undersides 5 unprotected All decks are constructed with non-combustible material(composite,tile,brick,etc.) 0 Some decking is constructed with combustible material Replace with non-combustible material or cover with non- 10 (un-approved vinyl,wood,etc.) combustible material The undersides of all raised decks are constructed or covered with non-combustible material (brick,stucco,metal,tile,etc.) The undersides of some raised decks are constructed with Replace with non-combustible deck or cover with non- combustible material and not covered with non- combustible material(brick,stucco,metal,tile,etc.) 10 combustible material(brick,stucco,metal,tile,etc-) All fences,gazebos,and trellis's are 10'or more from the home or are constructed with non-combustible material 0 Some fencing,gazebos or trellis's are less than 10'from Replace fencing,gazebo or trellis with non-combustible 5 the home and constructed with combustible material material within 10'from the house Figure 32 Ready, Set, Go!Flyer on Wildfire Home Risk Assessment, Page 1 Page 70 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 283 Wildfires Hit Home Landscape Condition found Recommendation Points All vegetation is green and well watered(not annual grasses)and/or drought resistant 0 Some vegetation is dead or not drought or fire resistant Remove ALL dead vegetation and replace with fire resistant 10 planting material-Visit www.ocfa.org for recommendations All shrubs are at least 5'from structures 0 Some shrubs are within 5'of structures Replace shrubs with low lying vegetation or thin shrubs to 10 50%density All overhanging limbs are al least 10'above roofs and at least 10'away from structures 0 Some overhanging limbs are less than 10'from roofs and structures Remove all limbs within 10'from structures' 5 All taller vegetation is pruned and separated from underbrush and separated from trees. Separation between shrubs and trees is at least 3 times height of shrubs. Separation between low lying vegetation and shrubs is at least 3 times 0 height of low lying vegetation. Spacing between shrubs is at least three times width of shrubs Some taller vegetation hangs over underbrush creating a Provide separation between low lying vegetation and shrubs. 10 "fuel ladder"that can carry fire up and toward the home Provide separation between shrubs and trees. All outbuildings and secondary structures are at least 20'from the home or constructed with non-combustible material 0 Some outbuildings and secondary structures are within 20' Replace with non-combustible material or cover with non- 5 of the home and constructed with combustible material combustible material Perimeter Condition found Recommendation Points Home has at least 100'of brush clearance around it or is protected by a formal and compliant'fuel modification' 0 program Home has 30'-100'of defensible space Remove dead or dying vegetation within 100'of homes. 5 'Remove native vegetation within 30'of home.Thin native Home has less than 30'of defensible space vegetation 50%density within 30'to 100'of home' 10 All firewood and other combustible materials are stored at least 30'from the home 0 Some firewood or other combustible materials are stored Move firewood and other combustible storage at least 30' against or within 30'of home away from home' 10 TOTAL SCORE For follow up questions regarding this risk assessment,please contact: SCORING: During a wildfire,firefighters are better able to protect homes that have low Consultation Performed by: scores. Firefighters may not be able to protect homes that have higher scores. Name: 0:Your home has the greatest potential for survivability during a hostile wildfire. Phone: 5-20:Your home has been identified as a low risk.Recommendations indicated Date: on this checklist should be addressed to increase the survivability of your home during a hostile wildfire. 25-40:Your home has been identified as a moderate risk.Survivability of your home will be an issue during a hostile wildfire.Recommendations indicated on this checklist should be completed. 45 and above:Your home has been identified as a high risk.The survivability of your home is low. Your home may be in extreme danger during a hostile wildfire. Recommendations indicated on this checklist are strongly encouraged to be completed. For additional information on how to increase the chance your home will survive a wildfire,please visit the Orange County Fire Authority's Safety and Education page at www,ocfa.org and the State Fire Marshal's wildland urban interface products page at http://osfm.fire.ca.govtlicensinglistings/licenselisting_bml_searchcotest. If you walk your property without an OCFA inspector and have questions afterwards feel free to contact us at 714-573-6774 or rsgoc@ocfa.org For some homeowners,these reccxrnnerdalrors may be requirements of the fire code. tt the properly is near a wikfland area and is subject to a Defensible Space inspection,this is not just a recommendation,but a requirement and subject lea wildiard Inspection Notice_ Figure33 Ready, Set, Go!Flyer on Wildfire Home Risk Assessment, Page 2 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 71 of 74 284 Wildfires Hit Home ZONE AT-A- GLANCE DFIRE Wind-driven embers during wildfires are a leading cause of homes being destroyed, including in the 2025 Los Angeles fires. Californians can protect their homes by removing items that can ignite from these dangerous embers around the first five feet of their homes. In 2021 state leaders passed a law that requires statewide guidelines that protect the area immediately adjacent to homes, which is knows as "Zone 0". Since then, several cities have already adopted Zone 0 requirements on their own and the California Department of Insurance has established the Safer form Wildfires Program to enable home insurance discounts for implantation of these protective measures. Zone 0 is the first five feet surrounding your home, decks, and attached structures. This area is called the ember-resistant zone and is critical • to wildfire defense. The goal is simple: keep this zone completely free of combustible materials so embers or flames cannot ignite your home. - , ZONE 0 GUIDELINES • Use pavers, concrete, or other hardscape materials instead of combustible mulch. ' . 0"644 • Clear dead weeds, grass, and debris; check roofs, gutters, and outdoor areas. Keep branches trimmed 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipes. • Minimize combustible items like furniture and s planters on decks. • Move firewood and lumber to Zone 2 for safety. �'<' • Replace combustible fencing and gates with fire-resistant materials. Shift garbage and recycling containers to a safer area outside this zone. ZONE 0 ,, • Relocate boats, RVs, and vehicles away from this zone to reduce fire risks. 0—5 FEET - Plants can be added just outside Zone 0 as a way to maintain vegetaition around the home. 7� ,. � °: s tw' i f %'. ' j[' < ,,,, si..' �d. Rilirr" v. NN"•® Figure 34 Zone 0 At-A-Glance, Page 1 Page 72 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 285 Wildfires Hit Home ZONE 0 AT-A- GLANCE - t THE SCIENCE BEHIND ZONE 0 In an ongoing collaboration, CAL FIRE - Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) continue to conduct live burn demonstrations using a mitigated and nonmitigated structure. The demonstrations provide a controlled environment to study how specific structural and landscape modifications mitigate wildfire risk, thereby offering data-driven insights into fire behavior and prevention. Research has concluded that removing flammable materials within the first five feet of a structure prevents embers from starting a fire, greatly reducing the risk of ignition to exterior walls, eaves, and gutters—areas where wildfire embers can easily take hold. Keeping this area clear is one of the best protection measures you can take to protect your home. \ • �xtrlRC~ t• . • . PREPARtu ,�1, '" - •Zone 0 Landscaping — Non-mitigated home had wood mulch, plants, and a wooden fence within • t.o- five feet, acting as a wick for flames. The mitigated home used gravel, hardscaping, and a metal fence, removing fuel for embers. •Vents — Standard vents let embers enter and ignite the attic. Ember-resistant vents on the mitigated home blocked them. •Siding — Flammable siding to the ground allowed flames to climb. The mitigated home used noncombustible material at the base. •Gutters — Debris-filled plastic gutters fueled ember ignition. The mitigated home had clean metal gutters with noncombustible gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation. r Furniture — Flammable outdoor furniture on the non-mitigated home ignited from embers. The mitigated home used noncombustible furniture, preventing ignition. MORE RESOURCES LINKTR.EE/CALFIREZONE0 SCIENCEVIDEOS,AND MORE... Figure 35 Zone 0 At-A-Glance, Page 2 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 Page 73 of 74 286 Wildfires Hit Home Links Immediate Zone https://storageocfaprod001.blob.core.windows.net/blobocfaprod0l/2025/12/Immediate- Zone-2025.pdf Defensible Space https://storageocfaprod001.blob.core.windows.net/blobocfaprod0l/2025/03/OCFA-RSG- Defensible-Space-l-l.pdf Home Hardening https://storageocfaprod001.blob.core.windows.net/blobocfaprod0l/2025/12/Home- Hardeninq-2025.pdf Vegetation Management https://storageocfaprod001.blob.core.windows.net/blobocfaprod0l/2026/01/OCFA-RSG- Vegetation-Management.pdf Be Amber Aware https://storageocfaprod001.blob.core.windows.net/blobocfaprod0l/2025/07/OCFA-RSG- Be-Ember-Aware-688b04d7e4fb9.pdf Home Assessment https://storageocfaprod001.blob.core.windows.net/blobocfaprod0l/2025/12/Home- Assessment-2025.pdf Wildfire Home Risk Assessment https://storageocfaprod001.blob.core.windows.net/blobocfaprod0l/2025/07/OCFA-RSG- Home-Assessment-Form-688b05b09d57e.pdf Zone 0 At-A-Glance https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cd n-endpoint.azu reedqe.net/- Imed ia/calfire-website/prepare/zone-0-at-a-q lance.pdf Page 74 of 74 Orange County Grand Jury 2025-2026 287 FIRE Required Response to the Grand Jury Findings and v,„--;•;:7,.."„„,5,04 =' �= Recommendations in "Wildfires Hit Home" ARE Background The City of Huntington Beach is impacted by wildfires and,with the release of updated Local Responsibility Area(LRA)maps in 2025, now contains a designated High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ)within its jurisdiction.This zone includes 217 parcels, primarily consisting of single-family homes and a small number of condominium-style apartments,all of which must comply with HFHSZ requirements. To meet the mandates imposed on HFHSZs and reduce wildfire risk to the community,the Huntington Beach Fire Department(HBFD)conducted a robust public engagement and comment process. We subsequently issued a non-codified ordinance adopting the CalFire maps(Ordinance No.4336). Following adoption of the maps,the HBFD developed a defensible space inspection program to document findings and issue reports as required by Civil Code 1102.19.The purpose of these inspections is to assess compliance with home hardening and defensible space standards.While current regulations do not require property owners to implement the recommendations,the inspection reviews defensible space conditions and home-hardening measures that can reduce the risk of wildfire loss and educates affected property owners of the interventions to reduce risk. A significant portion of the HFHSZ is in the Brightwater neighborhood on the bluffs above the Bolsa Chica wetlands. In 2020,a brush fire occurred in the wetlands near the Brightwater development, burning 62 acres and advancing toward the Brightwater community. Prior to annexation in 2020, Brightwater was under OCFA jurisdiction,which required a fuel modification plan to protect the development. In 2016,the Fire Department reissued the OCFA fuel modification permit, and it is now enforced by HBFD.This fuel modification,in combination with the rapid response of our firefighters, is credited with preventing the destruction of homes in the area. The city's response to the Grand Jury's request for agreements on the findings is based on a general knowledge of the impact of wildland fires in our State and County. Having a relatively small HFHSZ and no VHFHSZs, Huntington Beach homeowners have significantly less hazard compared to other Orange County cities with Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones(VHFHSZ). We remain engaged with our community and will continue to ensure that our residents have the knowledge and resources to reduce fire risk and maintain robust wildfire prevention interventions to combat the rising costs of insurance. 288 Findings Finding Fl More frequent and severe wildfires driven by increasingly hotter, drier,and windier conditions in the Orange County wildland-urban interface are escalating impacts on financial and non-financial resources.Among the financial costs are dramatic increases in homeowners'insurance premiums, on renewals,and inability to obtain insurance. City Council Response:Agree The City is aware of reports indicating that homeowner's insurance premiums are increasing for properties located within High Fire Severity Zones in California.After consulting with members of the Brightwater HOA,which comprises the largest part of the HFHSZ,we are not currently aware of specific homeowners experiencing increased premiums due to the wildfire hazards. Finding F2 Actions that address conditions in the home ignition zone to significantly reduce ignition potential can prevent a community wildland-urban interface fire disaster or suburban conflagration. City Council Response:Agree The City agrees that proper maintenance of the Home Ignition Zone can significantly reduce the potential for a home to ignite during a wildland fire event. The HBFD will continue to enforce the Brightwater Fuel Modification Plan,which incorporates a fire-safe home ignition zone requirements, and will continue providing wildland safety information to residents city-wide. Finding F3 Expanded community engagement to raise awareness and provide support regarding home hardening and defensible space will increase the effectiveness of wildfire risk mitigation and insurance risk reduction efforts. City Council Response:Agree Community education and engagement are essential components of wildfire risk reduction, empowering homeowners to harden their homes, maintain defensible space,and improve the overall resilience of their properties. The HBFD maintains educational materials on the City's web site and will continue expanding outreach efforts through public events,fairs and community meetings such as HOA gatherings to directly engage affected residents. 289 Finding F4 Achieving community-level and property-level wildfire risk mitigation designations(such as Fire wise USA Site,Fire Risk Reduction Community,or Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety certification)reduces wildfire risk and helps lower insurance premiums. City Council Response:Agree The City agrees that community-level wildfire mitigation efforts have the potential to reduce risk and, in turn, may contribute to lower insurance premiums. The HBFD permitted Brightwater Fuel Modification Plan already includes a community requirement to maintain defensible space adjacent to the homes bordering the Bolsa Chica Nature Preserve. The HBFD will continue to promote community-wide mitigation in our outreach. Finding F5 All county residents should be aware that Safer from Wildfire regulations require insurers to offer discounts to homeowners and communities implementing home-hardening and defensible-space measures,regardless of whether the property is located in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. City Council Response:Agree The City concurs that insurers should offer discounts to homeowners that implement home- hardening and defensible-space measures. The City has already provided this information to the Brightwater HOA and will further promote Safer from Wildfire regulations to the broader community, particularly homeowners in the HFHSZ. Finding F6 AB 888,the California Safe Homes Grant Program,provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners, cities, counties,and special districts for home-hardening and defensible-space measures.Applying for and using these grant funds will reduce wildfire losses and improve insurability and resilience in vulnerable communities. City Council Response:Agree The City agrees that AB 888 represents a valuable tool for reducing wildfire risk through targeted investments in home hardening and defensible space improvements. We will continue sharing grant information with our community through various communication channels including print materials,social media, Orange County wildfire fairs, and HOA presentations. 290 Recommendations Recommendation R2 By December 31,2026,cities and fire service agencies,including the Orange County Fire Authority, should commit to participation in a countywide annual wildfire prevention fair planned by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to showcase wildfire prevention outreach programs.[F1-F6] City Council Response: Will be implemented HBFD,the lead department, is prepared to participate in a countywide annual wildfire prevention fair in the near future.We will encourage all residents—especially those living in the HFHSZ—to attend. Recommendation R4 By December 31,2026, to ensure city residents are engaged and aware of wildfire risk reduction resources, OCFA member and non-member cities should distribute information, develop their own outreach programs,and establish a direct point of contact for residents,in addition to providing referrals to OCFA programs.[F1-F6] City Council Response: Will be implemented HBFD created a Wildland Fire Hazard Severity Zone webpage on the department's website.The page provides information on defensible space requirements, home hardening strategies, building requirements within the HFHSZ,and instructions for requesting a defensible space inspection from HBFD staff. In addition to the website, HBFD staff maintain direct contact with affected target residents such as the Brightwater HOA to ensure residents are aware of the hazards associated with the nearby severity zone. Staff have not yet established formal outreach for other areas within the HFHSZ,and the HBFD will continue to improve their outreach. HBFD staff also regularly engage with individuals concerned about brush fires in open-space areas with heavy fuels—such as Central Park South—even when those areas fall outside the HFHSZ. HBFD's Community Risk Reduction Division is responsible for this outreach.The goal is to expand outreach beyond the Brightwater HOA to all single-family homes,condominiums,and apartment communities in the HFHSZ to provide education on defensible space, home hardening,and wildfire risk reduction best practices. Since the law does not require home hardening or individual property defensible space in the current law for HFHSZs,we provide information on options to reduce the risk of wildfire damage using proven techniques and technologies. 291 ,',�'� .' v,t, CITY OF -_' HUNTINGTON BEACH a 2 to..................... ccuuNTY C�;�r�'; Casey McKeon I Mayor July 21, 2026 Sheila F. Hanson Presiding Judge Orange County Superior Court Office of the Grand Jury 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: HUNTINGTON BEACH RESPONSE TO GRAND JURY REPORT Honorable Sheila F. Hanson, On behalf of the City Council and with the support of the Huntington Beach Fire Department, I am pleased to submit Huntington Beach's formal response to the Orange County Grand Jury's report,"Wildfires Hit Home."The attached document, reviewed and approved by the City Council, addresses each finding and recommendation as required. We recognize the Grand Jury's concerns regarding the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Orange County, particularly in wildland-urban interface areas.With the release of updated Local Responsibility Area maps, Huntington Beach now includes a designated High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ).While our city faces a lower wildfire hazard compared to other Orange County communities,we remain vigilant and proactive in our approach. The Fire Department has implemented a defensible space inspection program and maintains robust community outreach program.We are committed to expanding outreach to all affected residents and participating in countywide wildfire prevention initiatives. We agree with the Grand Jury's findings and support recommendations for increased community engagement, participation in annual wildfire prevention fairs, and promotion of programs such as Safer from Wildfires and AB 888. Huntington Beach will continue to provide residents with the knowledge and resources needed to reduce fire risk and maintain resilient communities. Office: (714)536—5237 I 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov 292 CITY OF 1440046 s HUNTINGTON BEACH Thank you for the opportunity to respond.We look forward to continued collaboration and communication to protect Huntington Beach and Orange County residents. Sincerely, Casey McKeon Mayor Enclosure: Huntington Beach's Required Responses from "Wildfire Hits Home" cc: Orange County Grand Jury Orange County Board of Supervisors City Council City Manager Fire Chief Office: (714)536—5553 I 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov 293 T [ N c ..• C�ORP � RAI' •.0 Response to Grand . - _ c--) - --- - _- - •. Jury Report :„____ „,,,,f,„,. ____ __ '. ,jilt' ,// l//l fl' `//.,),, •� ■ ■_. c , \_., _ , , W� Idf� res Hit Home -� . _ _ Fire Chief Eric McCoy C ‹ ) � / c.,0 V IVTN 294 Purpose of the Report • The Grand Jury convened to address increasing challenges for homeowners living in the fire hazard severity zones. • Goal to: • Identify shared responsibilities of local governments, fire service agencies, communities, and homeowners to reduce wildfire risk in the wildland-urban interface. • Investigate actions taken by the California legislature and Department of Insurance to provide relief to policy holders. 000/0-nNcro--. • Inform communities and homeowners about home � hardening, defensible space, insurance risk reduction an •i - a wildfire safety awareness. `9'•�: ' f � s'17,19O wc©UNTy \;#/ PC833 . 05 Response • For Each Finding : • Must state Agree or Disagree (wholly or partially) • If disagreeing , must specify which part and explain the reasons ,, \,N-TINLro +t (z) •`NGpRPORpt 'Y,63 \� ©UNri �ll#�� PC833 . 05 Response • For Each Recommendation : • Must choose one of the following : • Implemented (include a summary of actions taken) • Will be implemented (provide a timeline) • Requires further analysis (explain scope and provide timeline) vN(INGTp O( •;N.pPP0R41E0...V ees cF� 6..\k Background & Context How Huntington Beach became home to a Fire Hazard Severity Zone In 2025, updated Local Responsibility Area maps designated the City's first High Fire Hazard Severity 020 Zone (HFHSZ). The City adopted the CalFire maps 217 2025 by Ordinance No. 4336 following a robust public Parcels in the new HFHSZ First HFHSZ designated Mostly single-family homes Via updated LRA maps engagement process, then launched a defensible- space inspection program under Civil Code 1102.19. 4 Lower hazard than our neighbors. With a relatively No. 4336 1102.19 small HFHSZ and no Very High zones, Huntington Ordinance adopting CalFire maps Civil Code inspection ba iis� After public engagement Defensible-spac iNcr©�Beach homeowners face significantly less hazard 47Fa•yyC than Orange County cities that contain VHFHSZs. '�j • .t,• JQ,, ©LINTY CP..i/. 298 C) m N MU C Ull) (13 a) cis)u) w a O • ...... IMICI:i a (1) a) • _. u... W \\ " v/4/ Q)� A. �� �sss•• Vo,, ••� ' ,Il;,,,,, ii , `� ,� ., • I' , I � '1 , pli `: " C..3 li i ti,,,J • O I ��� \ I I r•; , i'i :‘ ••-- 1f , i '*Z. .0.- --.._ , . . • i ,\ 1, ( • 0 Grand Ju Findings • F1 —F3rY The City Council response to all six findings is AGREE Wildfires are driving up insurance costs CO AGREE) Fl Premium increases, non-renewals, and inability to obtain coverage City response: BrightwaterHOA—the largest part of the are escalating in the wildland-urban interface. HFHSZ—reports no owners currently facing increased premiums. Home ignition zone actions prevent disaster Co AGREE) Reducing ignition potential in the home ignition zone can prevent a wildland-urban interface conflagration. FZ City response: HBFD enforces the Brightwater Fuel Modification Plan and shares wildiand safety info city- wide. Community engagement increases effectiveness c AGREF3 Outreach on home hardening and defensible space improves both wildfire and insurance-risk mitigation. City response: Educational materials are online;outreach is expanding through events,fairs,and HOA gatherings. 300 F , ØGrand Findings — 'Ju F4 F6rY Mitigation designations, insurer discounts, and state grant funding Mitigation designations reduce risk&premiums ( ' AGREE) Firewise USA,Fire Risk Reduction Community,and IBHS certifications lower wildfire risk and can lower \ / premiums. City response: The Brightwater Fuel Modification Plan already requires community defensible space;HBFD will keep promoting designations. Safer from Wildfire requires insurer discounts AGREE Insurers must offer discounts for home-hardening and defensible-space measures—regardless of hazard zone. City response: Already shared with the Brightwater HOA; HBFD will promote these regulations to the broader community. AB 888 grant funding aids resilience Et) AGRE The California Safe Homes Grant Program funds home-hardening and defensible-space work for eligible owners. City response: HBFD will share grant information via print,social media,OC wildfire fairs,and HOA presentations. 301 0 Recommendations • R2 & R4 Both recommendations:WILL BE IMPLEMENTED by December 31, 2026 i` R2 R4 El Countywide Wildfire Prevention ii Resident Outreach & Direct Fair Contact Commit to participating in the annual wildfire prevention fair Distribute information, develop local outreach programs, and planned by the OC Board of Supervisors to showcase prevention establish a direct point of contact for residents. outreach. WILL BE IMPLEMENTED WILL BE IMPLEMENTED • HBFD,is prepared to participate in the near future. • Launched a Wildland Fire Hazard Severity Zone webpage. • Residents— especially those in the HFHSZ—will be encouraged to • Direct contact maintained with the Brightwater HOA. attend. • Community Risk Reduction Division leads and is expanding outreach. 302 WHERE WE GO FROM HERE • Actions Underway .a,. RC MINN ©ID a HFHSZ Webpage Inspection Program Direct Engagement Expanding Reach Defensible-space and home-hardening Defensible-space inspections Ongoing contact with the Brightwater From Brightwater to every home, guidance,building requirements,and documenting findings under Civil Code HOA and residents near open-space condo,and apartment community in inspection requests. 1102.19. fuels. the HFHSZ. 4 Our commitment. HBFD will continue to ensure residents have the knowledge and resources to reduce fire risk— and to maintain robust wildfire prevention that helps combat the rising cost of insurance. Huntington Beach Fire Department • Community Risk Reduction Division 303 ( 0 jet INGI041/ 1 .••'`co R P o A 74. 4'P <P,..." .ern Jp C.) �_ ___ _____ _ �� � Recommended _....,.._ ___ __ ________ ____:._ _. _ ____ ___ _ _____ _________ _ Jj ___ _ ._ _,..._ _ __ Action ,,,, ........ ., +4 ....../ )/4,4/ ' norionlilf _7)(44, • 1 7( 1 90 1 <cC: C°UNTN Cj 304 Staff ecom men a ions • Approve transmittal letter with formal response • Authorize the Mayor to sign and submit the response to the Presiding Superior Court Judge • Direct staff to ensure continued compliance with Grand Jury recommendations ���NTINGP �'v� ``,` o4. " ` '�\N�o PUAATF6►,, ��N. \yam.. tF 4 AO h.• Alternative Action • Do not approve the formal response, and direct staff accordingly. TIN ,� �, N......�ro �► R{ jY` r ""� q COUNT ,#' Questions ? ,„. •2, waif ` r rya Zr-7d � rfi