Insurers Sent Private Fire Crews To Homes Threatened By The Thomas Fire

Debra Salem-Drake was packing to evacuate as a wildfire moved within a half-mile of her Ventura home when she got a surprising call. Her insurance company was offering to come spray her home with fire-blocking gel...for free. It was Dec. 5, the second day of the disastrous Thomas Fire, which went on to burn more than 1,000 structures, mostly homes, and more than 440 square miles, becoming California’s largest-ever fire. She didn’t think her home was in imminent danger, so she declined the offer, but it left her so impressed with the company, she posted a note of praise this week for Safeco Insurance on a Facebook page for people affected by the Thomas Fire.