Rich Californians in fire-prone areas are paying up to $150K for their own personal fire hydrants — but what about locals who don’t have six figures to splash on fire safety?

The rising threat of wildfires

California has experienced an alarming increase in the severity and frequency of wildfires, driven by hotter summers, lower precipitation and prolonged droughts, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB reported that eight of the 20 largest fires in the state’s history have occurred since 2017. Wildfires have become so commonplace that they’re now the focus of TV dramas like Fire Country.

Nationally, wildfires in the U.S. have grown four times larger and three times more frequent between 2001 and 2020 compared to the prior two decades, according to a UC Boulder-led study cited by the WSJ. In California, fast-moving wildfires — those burning at least 4,000 acres in a day — have become 398% faster during the same period.

The growing threat to homes and lives is also driving up homeowners’ insurance premiums, particularly in high-risk areas. In some cases, they may not be able to get insured. Installing personal fire hydrants is seen not only as a protective measure but also as a potential way to reduce insurance costs. Real estate agents report that such installations can even increase home values, making them an attractive selling point.

Buying a personal fire hydrant is legal, so long as homeowners follow standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). If they don’t have a private water tank, they have to obtain permission to tap into a municipal water line.

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Practical fireproofing for the average American

While private fire hydrants may be a luxury for the wealthy, there are affordable steps the average homeowner can take to safeguard their property. Fireproofing your home can help slow the spread of a fire and limit the damage.

For exterior renovations, consider using fire-resistant materials such as metal, concrete or fiberglass for walls, and opt for roofing materials like metal, slate, clay or concrete tiles. Homes with wood siding or cedar shakes can be treated with fire-retardant chemicals, though in California, such treatments must meet standards set by the [California State Fire Marshall] 9https://firesmartroofing.com/treatments/) and the International Code Council 10-year weathering test.

Simple, low-cost steps can also make a difference. Regularly clean your roof and gutters to remove flammable materials like leaves and twigs. Keep flammable materials such as mulch, firewood and propane tanks away from the exterior walls. Install metal mesh screens over vents in the eaves.

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) recommends creating a fuel break around all structures. This includes pruning trees, spacing vegetation and choosing fire-resistant plants for landscaping. While these may not stop a fire entirely, they can slow its progress.

Some homeowners are investing in portable fire pumps, which cost a few thousand dollars and can draw water from a pool or other body of water.

However, even with personal fire hydrants or other defences, residents are still expected to heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety and the safety of others.