Wildfires, Congress & the PIA Western Alliance Viewpoint

Several insurance groups are urging Congress to step in and address wildfire risks in the U.S. That can mostly be translated into finding ways to keep the states on the West Coast — like California — from burning to the ground.

While the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) and other groups are pushing Congress to act, neither PIA National nor the PIA Western Alliance have taken an official position.

In an interview with Weekly Industry News Editor Gary Wolcott, PIA Western Alliance Executive Vice President Kim Legato agreed that something needs to be done, and — in California’s case — if the state can’t solve the problem, then Congress needs to step in.

“Wildfire reform is an ever increasing and critical issue for the 10 PIA Western Alliance states and around the country,” she told Weekly Industry News. “If states can’t get it done Congress should address the increasing severity and frequency of wildfires. Wildfires threaten lives, property, ecosystems, and the economy, with the effects rippling far beyond the immediate areas affected.”

She told Wolcott that federal help shouldn’t just be for emergencies, the federal government should also act to assist in preventing future fires, and noted there are cross-border situations to consider.

'Wildfires don’t adhere to state lines,” she said. “This will require federal oversight for coordination among states. Policies are needed to incentivize wildfire prevention, invest in resilient infrastructure, and to protect communities. The federal government should play a key role in the funding, staffing, and deploying firefighting resources.”

How all this gets done is the big question. Like many others, Legato said Congress should not only fund but it should mandate better forest thinning, controlled burns, and restoration projects. Investments need to be made in early warning systems, evacuation planning, and community fire resilience programs.

Legato said these things are crucial and go hand-in-hand with strengthening power grids and promoting renewable energy. All of this can help reduce wildfire risks.

“The PIA Western Alliance has yet to take an official position but comprehensive reforms can save lives, protect the environment, and reduce economic burdens. This requires a combination of robust funding, bipartisan cooperation, and long-term planning to build a more fire-resilient nation.”

Legato said the PIA Western Alliance is ready to work toward, and support, comprehensive reforms.

The APCIA wants Congress to pass legislation based on recommendations by the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission.

APCIA president and CEO David A Sampson said, “The catastrophic wildfires raging through Los Angeles County are a stark reminder that wildfire risk is increasing. Congress must act now to reduce the risk, save lives, and protect communities.”

Jimi Grande is the president of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC). His group is encouraging Congress to pass the Fix Our Forests Act and the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act.

Both bills have passed the U.S. House of Representatives but have gone nowhere in the Senate.

“The catastrophic wildfires continue to wreak havoc on California residents and communities, and insurers stand ready to help on the long road to recovery,” Grande said. “The process will be long and difficult for victims, but it should motivate Congress to reduce the threat of massive wildfires like these. We can’t control the winds, but we can reduce the fuel for wildfires and strengthen our defenses to keep them from spreading.”

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