Real Estate
Malibu Retrofit at $300,000 Shows Limits of Wildfire-Prepping
- More Californians are investing in mitigation but cost is high
- State’s insurance revamp is poised to provide extra incentives
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Evelin Weber and her neighbors fled their Malibu homes as the deadly Woolsey Fire tore across the California coast in 2018. Ever since, haunted by fears of another blaze, she’s spent $300,000 on fireproofing her house.
Weber installed a fire hydrant outside her $4 million home, built a new turnaround for firetrucks in her driveway, planted fire-resistant plants and cleared brush. She and her husband also founded the Malibu Foundation to provide financial help for Woolsey victims and offer education on fire prevention and preparation.