A pilot project to develop private-market solutions in the Southeast for prescribed fire liability insurance is now expanding to several western states.
Those efforts have continued to evolve, demonstrating that innovative partnerships can help expand access to affordable coverage where prescribed fire liability insurance has historically been difficult to obtain.
A pilot risk-pool insurance program was first developed in Alabama and later expanded to Georgia, providing coverage opportunities for thousands of private landowners and prescribed fire contractors.
In Spring 2026, the concept expanded again, creating opportunities for private-market prescribed fire liability coverage in states such as Texas, Washington, and California.
While Tall Timbers’ guidance also informed the development of taxpayer-supported claims fund pilots in several states, the risk-pool approach relies on complementary strengths targeting private landowners.
Insurance professionals manage the complexities of underwriting and policy administration while Tall Timbers contributes expertise in prescribed fire application, risk management, and landscape-scale fire.
California — arguably one of the most challenging environments for private prescribed fire insurance — offers an especially important example.
State claims funds can provide an important backstop, but their limitations, eligibility requirements, and other provisions can leave landowners and contractors needing additional coverage from private insurers.
The adoption of the private model by the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association in California represents a significant milestone and could provide a blueprint for expanding similar private-market solutions nationwide.
The need for these solutions became particularly acute during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, when prescribed fire liability insurance rates increased dramatically and several underwriters exited the market.
Fire contractors and private landowners were left with fewer affordable options, creating another barrier to the continued use of prescribed fire.
During this period, Tall Timbers partnered with Forestry Specialty Underwriters (FSU) to develop a prescribed fire liability policy backed 100% by Lloyd’s of London.
By leveraging the scale of Tall Timbers-supported prescribed burn associations and landowner cooperatives, combined with technical expertise in prescribed fire and risk management, the partners developed a risk-pool model that was successfully piloted in Alabama and subsequently expanded to Georgia.
As the future of taxpayer-supported insurance solutions becomes increasingly uncertain, Tall Timbers continues to work with industry partners to advance innovative private-market approaches.
The goal is straightforward: expand access to reliable, affordable liability protection so that private landowners and prescribed fire professionals can continue applying safe and effective fire across the landscape.
Landowners interested in accessing this insurance should contact their local Prescribed Burn Association (PBA). The following is a map of Tall Timbers supported PBAs.
