Partnering with Capstone to Safeguard Members’ Homes Against Wildfire

PURE Staff
December 2, 2024
As we transition into cooler days, California braces for the Santa Ana winds, which often fan the flames of wildfires. This year alone, PURE and our wildfire response partner, Capstone Fire & Safety Management, have responded to nearly 600 wildfire alerts across 11 states, with Capstone’s Fire Response Team deployed 31 times. Their work exemplifies the kind of extraordinary commitment that defines PURE’s approach to member service.
Capstone brings extensive expertise to wildfire response. Their Insurance Division—led by Divisional Chief Greg McAlpine, who has over 35 years of fire service experience—specializes in everything from pre-fire assessments to real-time fire response. Their ability to act quickly and effectively has saved homes and brought peace of mind to our members.
A conversation between Greg McAlpine of Capstone and PURE's CEO, Martin Leitch
Martin: Greg, can you tell us about the history of Capstone and the services you offer?
Greg: Absolutely. Capstone was formed as a company called Fire Stop in 1989 in northern California. They were a small company with seasonal firefighters that primarily worked with the U.S. Forest Service on wildfire response. In 2007, they were acquired by a family and then in 2010 they changed their name and expanded their mission to provide all risk standby services in multiple industries. Currently, we provide services to the insurance industry and to rescue and standby services for municipal water companies. I am very biased, but I say that our Insurance Division is the leader of the company and we are very happy and proud to provide those services.
Martin: Can you tell us about the importance of pre-fire assessments?
Greg: The assessment work we do can lead to a very successful fire response, so it's something I think we need to engage in more. And not only on the pre-fire or pre-season side of it. I think there's an opportunity for us to really get to the members after a fire has just occurred because it's still top of mind. There's an opportunity there for us, through PURE, to meet with members for a post-fire assessment to suggest things they can do in the future, so we're building upon both the relationship and mitigation side of it.
In recent studies, and what we're seeing in practice, is the importance of evacuation plans. Having a plan and being ready to implement it before a fire happens can save lives.– Greg McAlpine, Division Chief, Capstone Fire & Safety Management
Martin: What’s the typical reaction when your team arrives at a member’s home?
Greg: In a nutshell, overwhelmingly positive. Members are sometimes surprised, but more often they are well aware that we are going to be in the area and are very happy to see us. They greet us and ask us what we need from them. They often ask us questions like, "what should we do? what shouldn't we do?" Those kinds of things. There's an immediate dialogue and immediate relationship is built during the time that we're there with the member. Many times, we arrive and the members already evacuated and that's when we turn to PURE to request a gate code or to provide an update on a particular member's property or whatever it is that may be applicable at the time. Having that relationship has helped us provide the best service we can to those members in the field.
Martin: What can members do to protect their homes from wildfires?
Greg: There are several steps they can take:
- Life Safety First: Ensure clear access for emergency responders, visible address numbers and a solid evacuation plan.
- Defensible Space: Maintain a safe distance between vegetation and structures to prevent fire from spreading.
- Fire-Resistant Materials: Use durable roofing, siding and windows to create a protective barrier.
- Close Gaps: Seal small openings where embers could enter the home, such as vents or eaves.
Martin: Can a properly hardened home survive extreme wildfire conditions?
Greg: If it's adequately hardened, absolutely. It increases the likelihood that a home will still be standing after a fire. Once the fire passes, it gives firefighters a better chance at saving it. I can go back to a fire that I was on in Southern California where, when we arrived, the homeowner had done such a good job preparing their home. There was just a small little piece of fire and we were able to knock it out immediately. Had they not followed through with all the recommendations on home hardening, that small little fire would've been much larger by the time we got there. Those kinds of things make a real difference.
Martin: We've had some companies talk to us about external sprinkler systems, either fixed to the home or temporary. Have you seen them in action? Are they effective? Is it a worthwhile investment?
Greg: I think it's probably case by case. We've seen both fixed and portable sprinkler systems. I do like the portable option because they're easy to assemble, move and use. On the other hand, if you have a home that has a specific threat on a particular side of a property, that's where we've seen the fixed systems be very effective—if the homeowners get evacuated, it can activate and provide another measure of prevention.
We have seen some remarkable examples of Capstone's work with PURE members' homes. During the South Fork Fire in New Mexico, Capstone arrived at a member's home at 2:30 in the morning. They discovered a ground fire on the property with no fire department response. The defensible space wasn't adequate as trees were in proximity to an open window, but the Capstone team was able to extinguish the fire before the trees or the home ignited.
In Colorado, the team was alerted to a fire burning near a member's $24 million property. Upon arrival, they extinguished a spot fire on the east side of the home near a generator, preventing any damage. In Arizona, we had a member's home down wind of the Sandhills Gate fire. While the fire didn't reach the property, it was close and Capstone was able to provide peace of mind to our members.