What We Do

Fire retardants can be a valuable extra measure of defense when used as part of a comprehensive mitigation plan. Your primary protection should always be well-maintained defensible space and a hardened structure, but retardants provide an additional layer of protection. When appropriate, as an extra measure of defense, WMA recommends an ecologically safe and tested Long Term Retardant (LTR) that may last through the season because it tolerates up to three inches of rain. This is significantly different from short-term gels or foams that degrade quickly. Important considerations: • Retardants are supplemental. They do not replace defensible space and home hardening. • Product selection matters. Not all retardants are equal. We recommend only products that have been independently tested and proven effective. • Application must be done properly for the product to perform as intended. • Environmental safety is important. The LTR we recommend has been tested for ecological safety. Our assessment identifies the permanent improvements that provide reliable, year-round protection. When site-specific conditions warrant it, we may recommend an LTR as an additional tool in the toolbox.

External sprinkler systems can be valuable for certain properties, but like retardants, they are supplemental and not a replacement for defensible space and home hardening. Here is what we advise: External sprinklers work by wetting vegetation and exterior surfaces, making them more resistant to ember ignition and radiant heat. They can be effective when: • The property has a reliable, dedicated water supply (well, storage tank, pool) with adequate pressure • The system is properly designed to cover critical areas (roof, eaves, Zone 0 vegetation) • Someone will be present to activate the system or it has automatic activation • The property is in a high-risk area where additional protection beyond standard mitigation is warranted Important considerations: • Water supply is critical. Municipal water pressure may drop during a wildfire as demand spikes. Dedicated tanks or pools are more reliable. • Power supply matters. Electric pumps fail during power shutoffs. Consider backup power or gravity-fed systems. • Sprinklers are not a substitute. A sprinkler system on a property with poor defensible space and unscreened vents provides far less protection than proper mitigation without sprinklers. • Maintenance is essential. Systems must be tested and maintained regularly. For rural properties with good water supply in high-risk areas of Sonoma County, external sprinklers can be a worthwhile addition to a comprehensive mitigation plan. We evaluate water supply and property conditions during our assessment and can advise whether sprinklers make sense for your specific situation.

Yes, and we have direct experience in this area. Our assessment of the RWE 5th Standard Solar Facility demonstrated how utility-scale solar operations face wildfire challenges that are quite different from residential or commercial properties. Solar farms present unique concerns: • Large acreage with vegetation management requirements between and around panel arrays • Critical electrical infrastructure that must be protected from fire damage • Access road requirements for emergency response • Perimeter fire breaks and vegetation management zones • Insurance requirements specific to energy infrastructure • Compliance with utility-specific fire prevention plans • Worker safety and evacuation planning We evaluate the entire solar facility footprint, panel arrays, inverter stations, substations, access roads, perimeter conditions, and the surrounding wildland interface. Our recommendations address both vegetation management and infrastructure protection. If you operate or are developing a solar facility in Northern California, contact us to discuss how our CWMS assessment can help protect your investment and meet insurance and regulatory requirements.

This is an important question, and one we take seriously. Wildfire preparedness for people with mobility challenges, disabilities, or age-related limitations requires additional planning, but effective preparation is absolutely achievable. For evacuation preparedness: • Register with your local emergency alert system (SoCo Alert for Sonoma County) to ensure you receive early warnings • Develop a personal evacuation plan that accounts for your specific needs: mobility aids, medications, medical equipment • Identify at least two evacuation routes from your home and practice them • Arrange a support network: neighbors, family, and caregivers who can assist during evacuation • Keep a "go bag" pre-packed with essentials, medications, and important documents • Contact your local fire department to register as a person needing additional evacuation assistance For property resilience: • Many of the most impactful mitigation measures can be performed by contractors. You do not need to do the physical work yourself • Prioritize improvements that reduce risk with minimal ongoing maintenance (vent screening, gutter guards, non-combustible Zone 0) • Our assessment identifies which improvements to prioritize, helping you direct contractor work effectively • Some counties and organizations offer assistance programs for seniors and disabled residents We are happy to work with you, your family, or your caregivers to develop a practical wildfire preparedness plan that accounts for your specific needs. Contact us and we will find an approach that works for your situation.