Retired Division Chief, USFS · Updated November 06, 2026
Several high-end insurers will send crews to protect a policyholder's home when a wildfire is coming. A private brigade, like ours, works for you year-round. The insurer program is free if you qualify. A private brigade works whether you qualify or not, and starts long before the fire.
At a glance
| Insurer wildfire defense program | Wetline Fire Brigade | |
|---|---|---|
| Who offers it | Chubb, American Family, USAA, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, PURE and others, mostly through Wildfire Defense Systems (Insurance.com) | Wetline, for homes and communities that enroll |
| Who qualifies | Only policyholders of those insurers, in covered states and risk areas | Any enrolled home in our service area |
| Cost | Included with the policy | Annual plan, quoted after a free walk |
| Before fire season | May include an assessment and advice | Pre-plan for every home, system tests, flashy fuel clearing |
| When a fire threatens | Retardant, portable sprinklers, fuel removal, as fire officials allow | Staging, system checks, pre-treatment, combustibles moved, as fire officials allow |
| After the fire | Gel cleanup, hotspot checks, claim support | Status report with photos, system reset, documentation |
| Knows your home | Depends on the program and the event | The same crew, with your property's pre-plan |
How insurer programs work
According to Insurance.com, most participating insurers use Wildfire Defense Systems; USAA uses other providers, and PURE works with local companies (Insurance.com). Enrollment varies: some insurers enroll eligible homes automatically, while Chubb requires a request. The service is included with the policy.
Crews don't fight the fire. They prepare the home and leave once protections are set, and they can be barred if fire officials judge the area too dangerous.
The catch is eligibility. The service follows the policy, the state and the insurer's risk rules. Many California homeowners now carry the FAIR Plan or a carrier without this benefit. See FAIR Plan vs a standard policy.
How a private brigade differs
A private brigade works for you, not your insurer, so it can start much earlier:
- Before the season: a retired firefighter walks the property and builds a pre-plan: access, gate codes, water, systems and hazards.
- On red flag days: crews stage nearby, top off water, arm systems and apply pre-treatment.
- When fire is close: crews follow evacuation orders and official direction, the same as insurer crews.
It also works for HOAs and gated communities, where one plan covers every home. See the Wetline Fire Brigade.
Can you have both?
Yes. If your insurer offers a defense program, enroll. A private brigade adds pre-planning, regular system checks and a crew that already knows your property, and it stays with you if you change carriers.
See whether the brigade fits your home or community. We'll walk it with a retired firefighter for free. Book a community walk.
Frequently asked questions
Does my insurance include wildfire defense services?
Check your policy or ask your broker. Chubb, PURE, USAA, American Family, Liberty Mutual and Travelers offer programs in some states and risk areas.
Do private fire crews fight wildfires?
No. Private and insurer crews protect specific properties and must follow evacuation orders and directions from fire officials. Public agencies command the fire.
How much does a private fire brigade cost?
It depends on the property and how many red flag days you want covered. We quote after a free walk of the home or community.
By Craig Weeks
