Hope Rising: Altadena Homes Receive Free Wildfire Retrofits Through IBHS and GER3 Program After Devastating Eaton Fire
In a beacon of recovery for wildfire-ravaged communities, Altadena families are now benefiting from free wildfire retrofits under the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Home program, partnered with Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3). This initiative delivers no-cost upgrades and the prestigious Wildfire Prepared Home designation to vulnerable residents following the destructive Eaton Fire, marking a vital step in building resilience against future blazes.
The program gained momentum with the completion of the first post-fire retrofits announced on December 17, 2025. Through GER3’s Eaton Wildfire Recovery Program, over 50 homes in Altadena are targeted for mitigation, including comprehensive 360-degree risk assessments and essential upgrades like fire-resistant roofing, venting, and defensible space enhancements—all provided at no charge to participants.
The Eaton Fire, which struck in January 2025, devastated large parts of Los Angeles County, destroying thousands of structures in Altadena and surrounding areas. Many surviving or rebuilt homes remain at high risk due to ember ignition vulnerabilities. IBHS’s science-backed standards focus on three key areas: the roof, near-home features, and surrounding vegetation to prevent fire spread.
Steve Hawks, IBHS Senior Director for Wildfire, emphasized the impact: “The latest research shows these are the mitigation measures that can stop the progression of wildfire.” He noted that partnering with GER3 puts proven science into action, helping families return safely and affordably.
Calley Bilgram, GER3’s Los Angeles Recovery Program Lead, added that the collaboration makes resilience accessible: “By covering the cost of retrofits and implementing IBHS’s proven measures, we’re helping families stay in their homes safely.”
Community leaders praise the effort for prioritizing low-income and vulnerable households, addressing equity in disaster recovery. Earlier IBHS studies showed that similar upgrades during new construction add minimal costs, improving insurability amid California’s growing wildfire insurance crisis.
For U.S. readers, especially in wildfire-prone states like California, Colorado, and Oregon, this Altadena initiative offers a model for national resilience. With climate-driven fires intensifying, such programs could reduce billions in losses, stabilize housing markets, and protect jobs in construction and insurance sectors. Homeowners elsewhere may qualify for similar designations, potentially lowering premiums and enhancing property values.
The partnership underscores nonprofit roles in bridging gaps left by traditional funding. GER3’s one-year recovery effort extends beyond retrofits to broader support, while IBHS continues expanding its Wildfire Prepared Home program nationwide.
As Altadena rebuilds stronger, this free retrofit drive through IBHS and GER3 highlights proactive steps toward safer communities. Experts predict more designations soon, inspiring hope and preparedness in the face of escalating wildfire threats across the United States.
By Sam Michael
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