Wildfire risk is becoming an increasingly important factor in homeownership across the Tahoe Basin and Washoe County - not only for safety, but for homeowners insurance availability and cost. Legislation passed during the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session may change how insurance companies evaluate wildfire exposure, potentially affecting coverage options and premiums for properties in forested mountain communities.
To help residents understand these changes, Washoe County and the Nevada Division of Insurance will host a community meeting on February 24th at 5:30 p.m. Nevada Insurance Commissioner Ned Gaines will present an overview of the new law, while representatives from Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and Washoe County Emergency Management will discuss wildfire preparedness and risk-reduction strategies.
For homeowners in Incline Village, Crystal Bay, and surrounding areas, this conversation is especially relevant. Insurance providers are increasingly evaluating defensible space, home-hardening improvements, vegetation management, and emergency access when assessing wildfire risk. Programs like Fire Adapted Communities and FireWise neighborhoods are becoming important not only for safety, but also for maintaining long-term insurability.
Simple steps - such as clearing pine needles from roofs and gutters, trimming vegetation near structures, and documenting wildfire-mitigation improvements - can make a meaningful difference.
Event Details: February 24, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Washoe County Administration Complex
1001 E. 9th Street, Building A
Commission Chambers
Join via Zoom:
https://washoecounty-gov.zoom.us/j/99743455033
Webinar ID: 997 4345 5033
Phone: +1-719-359-4580 or +1-253-205-0468
A recording of the meeting will be available the following morning on the Washoe County YouTube channel. [Link]
Residents are also encouraged to participate in the Swift Exit evacuation planning survey [Link] and learn more about defensible space and Fire Adapted Communities programs [Link], which help homeowners reduce wildfire risk at the property and neighborhood level.
As someone who lives and works in the Tahoe Basin real estate market, I believe staying informed about wildfire preparedness, insurance trends, and evolving regulations is essential for homeowners, buyers, and sellers alike. These factors are becoming part of the long-term conversation about property ownership in mountain communities.