PARADISE — Members of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, the Butte County Fire Safe Council, Habitat for Humanity and others gathered for a wildfire preparedness event and home unveiling Wednesday in Paradise.
The home, built by Habitat for Humanity and located on Dora Lee Lane, will be dedicated April 6, when new homeowner Bradly Reinhart will move in with his four children. Reinhart and his family lost everything in the Camp Fire. Another Habitat for Humanity house was built close to this house’s location.
People who attended Wednesday morning were able to tour the home and watch a video. Several people gave speeches regarding wildfire preparedness, how these homes are protected from wildfires and what they can do to protect the community.
The roofs of the houses have certain components to be wildfire safe. There are ember-resistant vents and non-combustible areas surrounding the homes, which is required. There is non-combustible siding, and windows are made with tempered glass, according to Steve Hawks, senior director for IBHS.
Habitat for Humanity of Butte County Executive Director Nicole Bateman was first to speak. She noted that Habitat has built 17 homes since the Camp Fire and “we are committed to building safe houses and making sure standards provide comfort for homeowners.”
Janis Bokar, forestry and community outreach assistant for the Butte County Fire Safe Council, hung out with the Wildfire Ready Raccoon, the mascot for the Paradise Ridge and Butte County Fire Safe Councils. Bokar said she was there to show support and say congratulations to the homeowners.
“This is a monumental day,” said Cal Fire-Butte County State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “It’s been a rough road to recovery. We look toward wildfire resiliency and how to get there. We want to be prepared for the peak of wildfire season and make sure there is 100 feet of defensible space.”
Reinhart smiled broadly during his speech. He has been living in a trailer in Oroville with his family. A single father, he said his current home doesn’t have a kitchen. He is looking forward to having family gatherings around the kitchen table.
“Dads are supposed to protect and provide,” he said. “I am so excited to move into the home. The greatest thing I can experience is that my kids feel safe and I feel safe.”
Reinhart was ecstatic when he learned he was approved for the home.
“I appreciate everyone who helped me with the process such as IBHS,” he said. “I will be there April 6 and will show up with all of the kids.”
Casey Taylor lives in another wildfire-prepared home in Paradise. An administrator with Achieve Charter Schools in Chico and Paradise, she has lived in her new home since 2022.
“I feel safe and protected there,” Taylor said. “I’m always excited to see homes designated.”
Learn more at readyforwildfire.org.
