A raging fire broke out at the Villa Del Sol Apartments in Santa Ana this morning at 3 a.m., destroying several cars parked in a carport.
These apartments are located at 811 S Fairview St.
A previous 2-alarm fire occurred at the Villa Del Sol apartments (or similar-named apartments) in Santa Ana, CA on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
That fire started in a middle unit and quickly spread to neighboring units, including the attic space of all four apartments in a row of single-story units. 14 residents were displaced due to the fire damage.
Here’s a summary of how the two recent fires at Villa Del Sol Apartments in Santa Ana could affect their property insurance:
1. Higher Insurance Premiums
Multiple fires in a short time frame will likely lead to increased premiums. Insurers may now consider the property high-risk.
2. Stricter Underwriting
Insurance companies may conduct a more detailed risk assessment, looking at fire safety systems, building materials, and emergency access.
3. Non-Renewal or Limited Coverage
The insurer might choose not to renew the policy or could impose new restrictions, such as excluding fire damage in certain areas or raising deductibles.
4. Reinsurance Impact
If reinsurers (who back the insurer) see the property as too risky, it could lead to higher costs or reduced availability of coverage.
5. FAIR Plan Possibility
If standard insurers decline coverage, the property may have to turn to the California FAIR Plan, which offers limited and more expensive coverage.
6. Claims and Recovery
Multiple claims (for displaced residents and burned vehicles) could slow down processing and increase scrutiny. If the property is underinsured, repair costs might exceed coverage limits.
When Fire Sprinklers Are Required in Carports:
- Carports with habitable space above or attached garages that are accessory to Group R-3 occupancies (such as single-family homes, duplexes, or small apartment buildings) must have residential fire sprinklers.
- These sprinklers must comply with Section R313 of the California Residential Code or NFPA 13D.
- The system must be designed to cover the area with a minimum density of 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/ft²).
- A maximum of two sprinklers may be used for hydraulic calculations.
- Garage doors are not considered obstructions for sprinkler placement.
Exceptions:
- Detached carports without habitable space above are not required to have fire sprinklers.
- Additions or alterations to existing carports or garages that do not already have a sprinkler system are exempt from the requirement.