Understanding Wildfire Vulnerability with the Wildfire Disclosure Report

In recent years, California has witnessed the devastating impact of wildfires on both human lives and properties. As the threat continues to loom large, it is crucial for real estate professionals and property owners to have accurate and comprehensive information about wildfire vulnerability. Developed with input and guidance from the California Association of REALTORS^®, FortressFire launched the Wildfire Disclosure Report in late 2023 as a resource to real estate professionals to assess a property’s wildfire vulnerability risks and also provide actionable and practical measures for mitigation, monitoring, and protection.

Understanding Wildfire Vulnerability

The Wildfire Disclosure Report combines cutting-edge technology – including satellite imagery, machine learning, and advanced physics models – to offer in-depth analysis of various factors contributing to wildfire vulnerability. By examining critical elements such as structures, materials, vegetation types and density, and other topographical features, the report provides property owners, potential purchasers, and real estate professionals with a clear understanding of the potential risks associated with a specific property.

Benefits for Property Owners and Real Estate Professionals

The report is aligned with CALFIRE hazard ratings, state-level AB 38 compliance standards, and IBHS insurance recommendations. FortressFire’s proprietary models provide a thorough vulnerability analysis by identifying specific structure ignition risks. The report features a summary as well as detailed data and wildfire analysis of the property, with four main analysis components:

• Hazard Ratings: The report uses three separate Hazard maps (CALFIRE, USDA, CPUC) with distance to nearest zones, providing additional context to help frame a broad view of potential wildfire hazard.
• AB 38 Compliance: The report frames property data to demonstrate the status of AB 38 compliance, organized and presented visually with requirements for compliance fully stated.
• Vulnerability: The report provides a Property Ignition analysis, identifying and scoring the structure’s risks. The IBHS Wildfire Protected Home standards are also identified.
• Mitigation Cost Estimate: The report frames initial costs to remediate the compliance and insurability issues. The estimates are intended to help agents frame the overall costs – starting with the estimates, then evaluating the property data and compliance or insurability analysis provided in the report.

Navigate Real Estate Transactions with Confidence

The report can help buyers, sellers, and their agents become better informed of wildfire risks – including regulatory compliance and insurability – minimizing confusion and bringing greater confidence to real estate transactions. The Wildfire Disclosure Report can help buyers and sellers navigate the AB 38 compliance, clear a path to insurance, and protect their properties.

• For Buyer Agents: Be informed. Understand the effort and cost to make a property AB 38 compliant and insurable.
• For Seller Agents: No wildfire surprises. Use data to better market and price your property. Consider proactive remediations.

To learn more about how to order the Wildfire Disclosure Report, please contact one of our authorized distribution partners directly or via CAR.org resources.