Up to 1,000 homes are still at risk of being destroyed by the Mendocino Complex fire, which started in late July and has become the largest fire in California history. Now, experts warn that the increase in destructive wildfires may make it more difficult for homeowners to find — and keep hold of — fire insurance as companies define more areas as “high-risk.” However, despite their vulnerability, buildings are still being built and re-built in fire-prone spots. We’ll talk about how the fire insurance market is changing in California and what it means for those living in susceptible locations and for the rest of us.
As California Wildfires Rage, Insurance Policies Disappear
38:12
![](https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/43/2018/08/unsafeMendocinoComplexFirecropped-520x293.jpg)
A sign is posted in front of a home completely destroyed by the fire in Spring Valley, near Clearlake Oaks, northern California, on August 7, 2018. (Photo: Josh Eedelson/AFP/Getty Images)
Guests:
Amy Bach, executive director and cofounder, United Policyholders
Sukey Lewis, reporter, KQED
Mark Sektnan, vice president of state government relations, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
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