In Central Oregon, the wildfire conversation has fundamentally shifted. What was once a seasonal checklist — clearing brush and hoping for a mild summer — has become a year-round mandate for homeowners, developers, and business owners alike.
As the owner of Insure Pacific, I am proud to launch this monthly column with Cascade Business News to bring local clarity to an increasingly complex industry. Today, two powerful forces are reshaping our region: the implementation of the R327 wildfire code and a tightening insurance market that is far less forgiving than it was even two years ago. Together, these factors are changing how we build, maintain, and protect our assets.
The New Standard: Home Hardening
The R327 wildfire code, now in effect for new residential construction in Deschutes County and the City of Sisters, focuses on “home hardening.” The goal is to reduce the chance a structure ignites from embers, which can travel miles ahead of a fire front and account for the vast majority of home losses.
For builders, fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, and enclosed eaves are no longer upgrades — they are expectations. While R327 technically applies to new builds, its influence is much broader. Insurance carriers are using these same standards to evaluate existing properties. In the eyes of an underwriter, what is required for new construction today is quickly becoming the benchmark for all properties tomorrow.
Insurance Is No Longer a Passive Safety Net
We are currently in a “hard market.” Carriers are aggressively reducing risk, tightening guidelines, and issuing non-renewals — especially in wildfire-prone areas.
Most importantly, many carriers are no longer reinstating policies after a lapse. In the past, a missed payment could often be resolved with a quick phone call. Today, a lapse — even unintentional — can mean losing coverage entirely and being forced into “surplus lines” options where premiums are significantly higher. My advice is simple: pay your premium weeks early. In this environment, your current policy is an asset you cannot afford to lose.
Strategic Mitigation for Business Owners
For the business community, wildfire risk extends beyond physical structures to operational continuity. Carriers now scrutinize “Business Income” and “Extra Expense” coverage more than ever. They want to see that a business has a clear plan for disruption before they offer terms.
Preparation now directly impacts both your safety and your insurability. Key proactive steps include:
The Five-Foot Rule: Clear all vegetation and combustible materials (including bark mulch) within five feet of your building.
Maintenance as Marketing: Keep roofs and gutters free of debris. Photos of these efforts can support underwriting and renewal discussions.
Vulnerability Upgrades: Consider ember-resistant vents during any repairs
or remodels.
A Shared Responsibility
Wildfire risk is now a shared responsibility. Builders must construct with resilience, and owners must actively maintain their properties. In today’s environment, preparation isn’t just smart — it’s necessary to protect the life and business you’ve built in the community we all call home.
Monica Elsom is the owner and principal agent of Insure Pacific. Their new Bend office is located at 2843 NW Lolo Dr.
InsurePacific.com • monica@insurepacific.com • insurepacific.com/quote
