UPDATE: A coastal community is taking urgent action to protect itself from future wildfires following the devastating Palisades fire. Sunset Mesa, a scenic neighborhood between Malibu and Pacific Palisades, lost approximately 80% of its 500 homes in the January blaze. Now, resident Karen Martinez is leading a movement to rebuild with fireproof materials, aiming for community-wide safety akin to “herd immunity.”
The Palisades fire has left a lasting impact on Sunset Mesa, but Martinez sees a silver lining. She is advocating for the use of insulated composite concrete forms (ICCF), a noncombustible building material that could revolutionize home construction in fire-prone areas. “We don’t have to rebuild with something that’s going to burn again,” Martinez stated during a recent community potluck where 70 neighbors gathered to learn about ICCF.
Martinez, who lost her own home in the fire, emphasizes the benefits of fireproofing not just for individual safety but for the entire neighborhood. “Your home is far safer if your next-door neighbors’ houses aren’t burning down,” she explained. This collective approach could also influence insurance rates, with companies like Mercury Insurance offering incentives for fire-resistant homes.
As of early November, nine building permits have been issued in Sunset Mesa, with hundreds more in the planning phase. Martinez’s home rebuild is estimated to cost $16,000 for the shell alone, using approximately 600 blocks that stack easily to form a fireproof structure. With a four-hour fire rating, ICCF provides a solid defense against the raging wildfires that have become a reality in Southern California.
The urgency to adopt these fireproof building practices has increased since Martinez’s diagnosis with stage 4 metastatic cancer. “I want to show that this is possible. I’m plowing forward to finish this and make a difference,” she said, reinforcing her commitment to not only rebuild her home but also advocate for community resilience.
Victor Joseph, COO of Mercury Insurance, attended the potluck and was impressed by the community’s proactive approach to fireproofing. He revealed that insurance premiums could be significantly reduced for homes built with noncombustible materials, with discounts as high as 50% off the fire portion of home insurance plans.
Martinez’s efforts have inspired around 15 neighbors in Sunset Mesa and another 15 in nearby Pacific Palisades to consider ICCF for their rebuilds. However, many residents have been discouraged by architects unfamiliar with the material, highlighting the need for education and support in the rebuilding process.
As the community stands at a pivotal moment, CEO of the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association, Robert Dugan, believes Sunset Mesa could set a precedent for fire resilience across the state. “If we can get one of every five homes to build noncombustible, the risk paradigm changes dramatically,” he stated.
The rebuilding effort in Sunset Mesa goes beyond just brick and mortar; it symbolizes hope and a united front against future disasters. With the community rallying around Martinez’s vision, there’s a growing sentiment that they can emerge stronger and safer than before.
Residents are encouraged to follow the progress on social media as Martinez documents her journey on Instagram under @palisadesfirerebuild. The urgency is palpable; as rebuilding efforts continue, the potential for a fireproof future looms large.
