American Property Casualty Insurance Association: New Approaches are Critical to Reducing Catastrophic Wildfire Risk

CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 28 -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association issued the following news release on Sept. 27, 2023:

Today, the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission released its final report, "On Fire: The Report of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission." The Commission was established at the direction of Congress as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and members were appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration. David A. Sampson, president and CEO of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is a member of the Commission and serves in the Property Development Industry seat. APCIA is proactively engaged in efforts to help individuals, businesses and communities understand and address the wildfire risks they face. Michele Steinberg, wildfire division director of the National Fire Protection Association, serves as alternate in the Property Development seat and similarly advocates for policies that help eliminate death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire. Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offered important subject matter expertise to the Commission based on IBHS's extensive body of research focused on reducing wildfire risk in the built environment.

"It has been an honor to serve on the Commission and work with a diverse group of members to develop consensus recommendations for congressional action to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the U.S. Property casualty insurers have long been engaged in ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce devastation from natural catastrophes, including wildfires. I appreciated the opportunity to bring to the Commission the expertise of the property casualty insurance industry, and following extensive outreach to other stakeholders, broader perspectives from across the property development industry," said Sampson.

"As noted in the Commission's report, substantial change in the federal government's approach to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and address impacts is crucial. But society also has a role in this effort. Together, the Commission's themes, significantly changing the approach to mitigating and managing wildfires; strengthening partnerships and collaboration between government, non-governmental entities, and the private sector; utilizing scientific research-based technology and modeling; increasing investments for resilience and focus on pre-fire mitigation and post-fire recovery; utilizing prescribed fire for resource purposes; and supporting and improving the fire workforce, provide a comprehensive solution to reduce the risk of wildfires. APCIA will work with Congress to advance legislation stemming from the Commission's recommendations," concluded Sampson.

"If we truly want to shift the trajectory of the wildfire crisis, the status quo cannot continue. Significant changes must be made to better prepare communities from wildfire," said Steinberg. "I'm extremely proud of the final report published by the Commission. It identifies critical actions needed - in both the built and natural environments - to stem property loss and environmental impacts, and to safeguard public health and the safety and effectiveness of wildfire response, providing a roadmap for moving in the right direction."

"When wildfire invades homes and communities, we must implement science-based solutions to reduce the destruction. The Commission's report makes key recommendations to strengthen our Nation's posture and help home and business owners," said Wright. "And, there are steps home and business owners can take today to strengthen their properties including creating a five-foot noncombustible buffer around their structures. The key is to take the first step and develop a plan so you will have a course of action."

Sampson brought unique insights to the Commission with his decades of service at the state and federal levels, private sector experience, including working with local governments and businesses, and personal experience as a landowner facing increasing wildfire risk. Before joining APCIA, Sampson served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce in the George W. Bush Administration. He previously served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. At the state level, he served as Vice Chairman of the Texas Strategic Economic Development Planning Commission, and later chaired the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness. Sampson was also the president and CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

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Original text here: https://www.apci.org/media/news-releases/release/77604/