Governor John Hickenlooper created the Task Force on Wildfire Insurance and Forest Health through Executive Order B 2013-002. The group was asked to identify and reach agreement on ways to encourage activities, practices and policies that would reduce the risk of loss in wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas and provide greater customer choice and knowledge of insurance options.
Take a look at the full report.
Recommendations Include:
- Update Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (CO-WRAP) to identify and quantify risk to specific properties in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
- Disclose CO-WRAP scores to stakeholders
- Amend standard real-estate contract form to include disclosure of CO-WRAP score
- Create process for appeals/updates of CO-WRAP scores
- Require Wildfire Mitigation Audits for high risk homes
- Develop and disseminate uniform Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Implement state-wide model ordinance
- Prohibit inconsistent community building or land use requirements
- Create pilot program for prescribed burns
- Assess a fee on properties in the WUI
- Continue and enhance state grant funding
- Increase awareness of financial assistance and technical support
- Disseminate information about HB 13-1225
Task Force Recommendations – Implications for Homeowners in the WUI:
Obligations
- Obtain CO-WRAP score and Wildfire Mitigation Audit (if high risk)
- Comply with building and land use codes
- Pay property fee
Incentives for Mitigation
- State funding for mitigation
- Tax incentives
- Desire to lower insurance premiums and avoid Wildfire Mitigation Audit
Available Information
- Uniform best management practices
- Existing resources and funding options
- Homeowners Insurance Reform Act (HB 13-1225)