This month’s fires have been relentless, driven by a dangerous heatwave gripping California, Oregon, and Washington, with temperatures soaring and fueling blaze after blaze. The Gifford Fire in California has claimed the title of the year’s largest, while Colorado’s Lee Fire has ravaged 137,485 acres in Rio Blanco County. Nationally, over 3.7 million acres have burned so far, with global disaster losses surpassing $131 billion in the first half of the year alone—much attributed to U.S. wildfires. Evacuation orders in wine country and central Oregon highlight the human toll, as firefighters battle amid rugged terrain and minimal containment.
Prescribed fires offer a proactive counter, strategically reducing fuel loads to lessen wildfire intensity and spread. Recent data reveals that areas treated with controlled burns experience up to 92% lower severity in subsequent fires, directly aiding evacuation safety by creating defensible spaces. However, liability fears— from escape risks to suppression costs—often deter action. This is where targeted insurance proves indispensable, bridging the gap between intent and implementation.
Conservation United’s Prescribed Fire Insurance: Adapted for Today’s Realities
As a brokerage exclusively dedicated to conservation risks, Conservation United has refined its nationwide program to address the evolving demands of 2025’s fire landscape. Drawing from collaborations like the pooled coverage plan with the Alabama Prescribed Fire Council, which covers 175 members at reduced rates, the program fosters community-level protection. Inspired by Washington’s April 2025 HB 1563, which ties liability funds to certified burn managers including indigenous practices, Conservation United emphasizes inclusivity and innovation.
Essential program elements include:
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Liability Protections: Up to $10 million in general, professional, and pollution liability, covering escape damages, bodily injuries, and environmental impairments like suppression expenses—no hostile fire exclusions.
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Supplementary Coverages: Workers’ compensation for burn teams, commercial auto for logistics, tools & equipment for critical gear such as UAS drones, and surety bonds for compliance in funded projects.
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Custom Enhancements: Options for integrating with emerging trends, like biochar production or cultural burning, ensuring alignment with state pilots and federal mitigation grants.
Eligibility extends to a broad spectrum: certified burn managers, private landowners, nonprofits, and even occasional practitioners. With A-rated carriers backing the policies, affordability remains key, often through bundled plans that cut costs without compromising scope.
How to Access This Essential Coverage
Securing a policy is seamless—request a same-day quote by calling 1-855-570-2797 or visiting conservationinsurance.com. Conservation United’s experts will assess your operations, from small-scale landowner burns to large-scale council efforts, crafting a plan that fits your 2025 needs.
As August’s flames rage on, prescribed fire insurance from Conservation United isn’t merely reactive; it’s a forward-thinking tool for safer, more sustainable land stewardship. Equip yourself to fight fire with fire—responsibly and insured.
