Wildfires

At a CalMatters event, California’s insurance commissioner says the changes he’s making will help homeowners and business owners. One idea: A state grant for those who spend money to protect their property from wildfires.

A bill on the governor's desk would acknowledge tribal sovereignty over cultural burning for the first time in California history. As state embraces prescribed burns to help reduce wildfire risk, Native American tribes still face legal barriers to performing a cherished cultural practice.

In addition to wildfires, the residents and property owners in the Inland Empire face another crisis, the departure of companies willing to insure homes against catastrophes.

Early warning systems save lives during disasters, but a recent FEMA survey found that only a third of people are signed up. Use this resource to find your county’s emergency alert sign-up page.

Recent wildfires are causing a shrinking home insurance market in California. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is trying to solve it but faces criticism.

The state’s landlords see rising insurance costs, so they say they’re going to have to raise rents. But they complain about laws that limit how much they can do so.

So many intense wildfires all at once require an intricate chess game for maneuvering firefighters and equipment around the U.S.

People trigger thousands of wildfires in California every year with unfortunate choices and sometimes reckless behavior. The 2024 Airport Fire, caused by an Orange County crew trying ro prevent wildfires, was one. The Park Fire, ignited by a man pushing a burning car, was another.

Wildfires — and their suppression — tear through California at a tremendous cost. One rancher recommends returning to the practice of prescribed burns.

Therapists wait years to be paid, and some won’t accept complex PTSD cases from firefighters and others because of workers' comp red tape.