P
aradise, California's Mayor Steve Crowder painted a stark picture of his town's recovery from the 2018 Camp Fire, warning that it will take two decades to rebuild. Speaking at an expert panel hosted by the Center for California Real Estate (CCRE), Crowder emphasized the need for long-term planning and innovative solutions to address the complex challenges facing communities ravaged by wildfires.

    The panel, "The Road to Recovery: Rebuilding Communities After the Wildfires," brought together a diverse group of experts, including Laurie C. Fisher, founder & CEO of PHNX Development, and Jennifer Hernandez, partner at Holland & Knight. Moderated by Bill Fulton from the UC San Diego Department of Urban Studies and Planning, the discussion shed light on key policy insights, innovations, and consumer tips to inform the recovery effort in Southern California.

    Rebuilding costs are skyrocketing due to a shortage of construction workers, limited availability of materials, and increased insurance premiums. "Pre-fire, we were building houses at $175 to $200 per square foot," Crowder said. "Overnight, we went to $300 to $350 per square foot." Fisher added that tariffs on materials like lumber, steel, and aluminum are driving up costs, with lumber prices increasing by 20-30%.

    The panelists also highlighted the need for affordable housing solutions, as Paradise's median home price has risen from $250,000 pre-fire to over $460,000 today. Hernandez emphasized the importance of considering equity and affordability when planning to rebuild, warning that urban density may not be the solution. "We must have urban and building standard compliance," she said, advocating for edge communities that are fire-safe and resilient.

    Innovation in process and materials is also crucial, with Fisher calling for standardization in what's considered fire-resistant. "There needs to be a certification that says, 'I did this and that,' and these mitigation measures could reduce your insurance costs," she said.

    For homeowners, Crowder urged taking proactive steps to mitigate fire risk, such as home hardening, defensible space, and fire-wise landscaping. Fisher recommended blocking points of entry for burning embers with screens and replacing wood fencing with noncombustible materials.

    A recent partnership between the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R) and FortressFire has led to over 11,000 completed Wildfire Disclosure Reports, raising awareness about advancing fire-resilient homes statewide. The next CCRE event will take place in Sacramento on April 29, focusing on strengthening California's insurance market.