Public Wildfire Catastrophe Model Strategy Group
Cal Poly Humboldt is convening a strategy group of researchers and wildland fire experts to make recommendations to Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara for steps to create the nation’s first public wildfire catastrophe model.
A public wildfire catastrophe model predicts future losses and can be a benchmark for use in the review of catastrophe risks for the insurance sector, provide accessible data for wildfire safety efforts, and create educational and career opportunities for California students.
The strategy group will create recommendations for a public wildfire catastrophe model to the Insurance Commissioner by April 2025 that identify next steps for technical needs, achieving broad public benefits, and potential funding sources.
Cal Poly Humboldt will chair the strategy group, which is made up of researchers, wildfire risk reduction efforts, and higher education leaders from across the California State University, the University of California, and other areas.
Strategy Group Members:
- Eric Riggs, Dean of Cal Poly Humboldt College of Natural Resources and Sciences (Chair)
- Amy Bach, United Policyholders
- Lloyd Dixon, RAND Corporation
- Frank Frievalt, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Michael Gollner, UC Berkeley
- Jeff Kane, Cal Poly Humboldt
- Adam Kochanski, San Jose State University
- Alexandra Syphard, San Diego State University
- Yana Valachovic, UCANR
- Michael Wara, Stanford University
Contact: wildfiremodel@humboldt.edu
Resources:
- Meeting on November 15: The Strategy Group will meet virtually on Friday, November 15, from 12:30PM to 2PM/PT. Members of the public wishing to observe should register online: Webinar Registration - Zoom
