REDLANDS, Calif. — The City of Redlands has been designated a 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, a state recognition that highlights the city’s wildfire preparedness efforts and could benefit homeowners by requiring insurers to consider the city’s verified wildfire mitigation efforts when setting rates.
The designation, which became effective this month, recognizes communities that meet or exceed California’s standards for wildfire planning, mitigation and resilience. City officials said the recognition reflects years of work to implement Redlands’ Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
The designation also carries potential insurance implications. Under California law, insurance companies must consider verified community wildfire mitigation efforts when developing rates. While homeowners’ premiums continue to depend on factors such as individual property conditions and insurer underwriting practices, city officials said the designation may provide additional opportunities for residents to benefit from communitywide wildfire risk reduction…