Wildfire Protection Information from ACE Private Risk Services

Wildfire Protection

If you are a customer insuring your home in a high risk area of California or Colorado, ACE helps protect your family and property both before and during a wildfire through an exclusive partnership with Capstone Fire Management Inc.

Program Elements

Preparation before a wildfire: When you first insure you home with us, one of our Risk Consultants will visit your property and develop a detailed action plan for making it less vulnerable to wildfires. We can also help with evacuation planning. By making the suggested improvements, you will not only better protect your family and home, you may be able to reduce your insurance premiums. This plan also serves as an important record of your property so that we can respond appropriately when wildfires occur.
Taking action during a wildfire: Capstone and ACE constantly monitor wildfire activity from the Capstone command center. When homes are in imminent danger and with clearance from local fire authorities, Capstone will dispatch its trucks and fire professionals to the scene. Safety measures could include moving combustible materials away from structures and spraying a fire-resistant gel on the home if appropriate.

Important: you must complete a form authorizing Capstone to access your property during a wildfire if you want them to protect your home. Open the property access authorization form.

About Capstone Fire Management

Capstone Fire Management Inc. is a Fire Management Company providing specialized fire and life safety solutions with highly qualified management personnel, trained professional firefighters and specialized equipment.

Their team has over thirty years of senior business leadership and fire service management in addition to decades in active wildfire experience. Each Capstone fire professional has been certified by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), and Capstone’s command center and trucks are equipped with the latest in wildfire related technologies, ready to identify and respond to rapidly evolving conditions. Their core developed from fighting the nation’s largest wildfires under Federal contract with the U.S. Forest Service and various other agencies since 1989.

FAQs

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Who is eligible to receive these services?

The Wildfire Preparedness and Response Program is available to policyholders residing in predetermined regions of California and Colorado. See the complete listing of eligible counties and zip codes.

Is there a fee for this service?

Fees associated with this program are paid by ACE on behalf of the policyholder, and are processed as a claim under the Preventative Measures provision of the ACE Platinum Portfolio policy; coverage is provided up to $10,000.

How can I sign up for this program?

ACE policyholders are automatically enrolled in the program; however, an authorization form must be completed to permit access to your property in the event of a wildfire.

Open the property access authorization form.

Who is Capstone and how are they different from my local fire department?

ACE Private Risk Services has an exclusive partnership with Capstone Fire Management Inc. to provide homeowner and property protection and assistance during wildfire events. Capstone is a private company headquartered in Southern California specializing in fire prevention and wildfire mitigation, serving the U.S Forest Service and large utility companies for over 20 years. All Capstone employees are experienced fire service professionals with local, state and/or federal experience.

Why do I need this service if I live in a residential neighborhood with landscaped yards and common areas?

Wildfires can move very quickly across residential terrain, often driven by high winds and flying embers. Capstone Fire Management uses state-of-the-art predictive software to help map the speed and direction of the fires, to protect your property in advance of the fire reaching your doorstep.

Will this service satisfy any state or local brush clearance requirements?

No. This program is designed to complement a responsible wildfire mitigation strategy. Homeowners should continue to manage their vegetation as required by local regulations.

Am I assured that a vehicle will come to my home in the event of a wildfire?

We will make every attempt to reach your home; however, there may be situations where we are prohibited from visiting your home because of hazardous conditions or by local and state authorities. Capstone is not a private fire department or 911 provider.

How safe/effective is the structure protection gel?

Structure protection gel has been used for many years in the fire service to greatly enhance the probability of building and property survival. Gel is environmentally friendly and has passed Federal testing. Gel is effective against direct flame contact, as well as flying embers, and is easy to wash off.

How long do these chemicals remain effective?

Structure protection gel was designed to last for more than six hours when applied properly on buildings. It mixes with water to create an effective thermal barrier in the event of fire or ember threat.

Will these chemicals harm landscaping or stain my home in any way?

Structure protection gel does not stain and will not be applied to landscaping.

Once the wildfire threat has abated, what will happen to the remaining structure protection gel?

Once the fire threat has passed, and if gel has been applied, Capstone Fire Management will return to your home to wash remaining gel off your home.

How will Capstone contact me in the event of the threat of a wildfire?

Capstone works closely with ACE Private Risk Services and will attempt to contact you prior to initiating services, usually in person or by phone.

Whom can I contact if I have additional questions?

You can contact your agent, or our Wildfire Preparedness and Response Program by emailing: wildfire@acegroup.com.