After the devastating Palisades fire, residents of Sunset Mesa, a community between Malibu and Pacific Palisades, are embracing a new approach to rebuilding. Inspired by the concept of “herd immunity,” they aim to create a fire-resistant neighborhood by using noncombustible materials. Karen Martinez, a resident and advocate for this approach, is leading the charge by rebuilding her home with insulated composite concrete forms (ICCF). Martinez, who lost her home in the January fire, believes that if enough homes are fireproof, the entire community can be shielded from future fires.
Martinez’s efforts have garnered attention from insurance companies, which are offering significant discounts for homes built with fireproof materials. According to the Los Angeles Times, Mercury Insurance has introduced a 50% discount on the fire portion of home insurance plans for such houses, along with a 15% community discount for neighborhoods meeting fireproof standards.
The push for fire-resistant rebuilding comes amid broader discussions in California about fire safety regulations. The state has been working on “Zone Zero” regulations, which require homeowners to create ember-resistant zones around their homes. However, these proposals have faced criticism and delays due to disagreements over their effectiveness and the financial burden on homeowners.
Despite these challenges, Martinez’s grassroots advocacy has inspired dozens of residents in Sunset Mesa and neighboring areas to consider rebuilding with ICCF. Her efforts have helped streamline the permitting process for this material, making it easier for others to follow suit. Martinez hopes that Sunset Mesa can serve as a model for fire-resilient communities across California.
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