Dammeron Valley Fire SSD forms Insurability Committee to help protect homeowners' insurance access

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Committee formed in response to regional wildfire-driven insurance disruptions; survey launched to assess local impact

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DAMMERON VALLEY, Utah — April 25, 2025 — In a proactive effort to support the long-term property interests of residents, the Dammeron Valley Fire Special Service District (DVF-SSD) and Dammeron Valley Fire & Rescue (DVFR) announced the formation of an Insurability Committee. The committee was established in February to examine recent trends in the insurance market and develop a local strategy to help ensure properties in Dammeron Valley remain insurable.

The move comes in response to the devastating California wildfires in January, which triggered widespread property insurance cancellations. Recognizing similar risks in the region's wildland-urban interface (WUI), DVF-SSD leadership moved swiftly to create a committee that could assess local exposure and guide a path forward.

The committee is chaired by Curtis Shelley, DVF-SSD Treasurer, and includes DVFR Fire Chief Chris Rieffer, Special Operations Division Chief John Hennessey, and Assistant Chief and Public Information Officer Hunter Wolfe.

“Our residents deserve to know that their local fire district is not only responding to emergencies but also working to prevent long-term financial risk,” said Curtis Shelley. “We take the insurability of homes in our community seriously, and this committee is our way of making sure we understand the landscape and take concrete action.”

The Insurability Committee’s work is in addition to DVFR’s aggressive fuels reduction program started in 2021, ongoing community education programs, and the work of the District’s Community Fire Council. As its first step, the Insurability Committee is conducting a Valley-wide insurance survey to collect data on policy changes, cancellations, rate increases, and underwriting requirements that have emerged in recent years. These insights will help the committee better understand the insurance environment and develop actionable recommendations.

“This is about staying ahead of the curve,” said Fire Chief Chris Rieffer. “By analyzing what’s already happening and where the insurance market may be heading, we can give residents the best chance to keep their coverage and protect their investment in this community.”

The committee's work is also in alignment with several Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) bills recently passed by the Utah Legislature. These new laws (HB 437 and HB 48) mandate fire prevention, vegetation management, and emergency preparedness—factors that increasingly influence insurance decisions in fire-prone areas like Dammeron Valley.

The committee will provide ongoing updates to the public as findings and recommendations are developed. Residents are encouraged to complete the insurance survey and engage in the conversation about future fire risk and property protection.

Take the Insurance Survey or Learn More

Visit www.dvfirerescue.org for survey access and additional information about wildfire preparedness and property protection in Dammeron Valley.

Media Contact:

Hunter Wolfe, Assistant Chief & Public Information Officer

hunter.wolfe@dvfirerescue.org