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Wildfire Risk Assessment

Evaluate wildfire probability, WUI exposure, and fire hazard potential for your property

Check Wildfire Risk for Your Address

4.5M
Homes at High Wildfire Risk
70M
People Living in WUI Zones
$18B
Annual Wildfire Damage Cost
13%
Of US Land is Wildland-Urban Interface

What is Wildfire Risk?

Wildfire risk measures the probability of fire reaching a property and the potential damage severity. The US Forest Service and state agencies assess risk based on vegetation, topography, climate, and development patterns.

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)

The WUI is where homes and wildland vegetation meet or intermix. 60% of new homes in the US are built in WUI zones, dramatically increasing wildfire exposure. These areas face the highest fire risk because they combine abundant fuel (vegetation) with ignition sources (human activity).

Key Wildfire Risk Factors

  • Fuel load: Density and type of vegetation surrounding the property
  • Topography: Slope steepness accelerates fire spread uphill
  • Climate conditions: Drought, heat, low humidity, and high winds
  • Fire history: Previous fires and burn frequency in the area
  • Access: Road width, escape routes, and firefighter access
  • Defensible space: Distance between structures and combustible vegetation

Why Wildfire Risk Matters for Homeowners

  • Insurance crisis: Major insurers are leaving high-risk states like California
  • Premium increases: Fire insurance costs rising 200-300% in some areas
  • Total loss potential: Wildfires can completely destroy homes and neighborhoods
  • Evacuation risks: Limited escape routes can trap residents during fast-moving fires
  • Property values: Fire-prone areas seeing value declines of 10-15%
  • Rebuilding challenges: Post-fire reconstruction costs often exceed insurance coverage

Wildfire Risk Levels

Extreme Risk

Very high fire probability with severe consequences

Characteristics:

  • • Dense vegetation
  • • Steep slopes
  • • Limited escape routes
  • • Dry climate

Example Locations:

Paradise CA, parts of Southern California, Colorado foothills

High Risk

Significant fire danger requiring active mitigation

Characteristics:

  • • Moderate vegetation
  • • Some slopes
  • • Seasonal fire weather
  • • WUI zone

Example Locations:

Sierra Nevada foothills, parts of Oregon and Washington

Moderate Risk

Occasional fire threat with proper precautions

Characteristics:

  • • Mixed development
  • • Lower fuel loads
  • • Better access
  • • Cooler climate

Example Locations:

Urban-rural edges, some mountain communities

Low Risk

Minimal wildfire exposure

Characteristics:

  • • Urban areas
  • • Low vegetation
  • • High humidity
  • • Fire breaks

Example Locations:

Most Eastern US, urban centers, agricultural areas

Creating Defensible Space

Defensible space is the area between a house and wildland where vegetation has been modified to reduce fire hazard. California and other states have laws requiring specific defensible space zones.

Zone 0 (0-5 feet from home)

Non-combustible zone: Remove all dead vegetation, leaves, and debris. Use gravel, pavers, or concrete. No plants touching the house.

This zone saved 75% of homes during recent California wildfires.

Zone 1 (5-30 feet from home)

Lean, clean, and green zone: Trim trees, remove dead plants, maintain spacing between shrubs. Keep lawns mowed. Create horizontal and vertical separation.

Required by law in many Western states.

Zone 2 (30-100 feet from home)

Reduced fuel zone: Create fuel breaks, thin vegetation, remove ladder fuels (low branches that allow fire to climb into tree canopies).

Critical on slopes where fire spreads faster uphill.

Wildfire Mitigation Strategies

Critical Priority

Create Defensible Space

Clear vegetation in zones 0-100 feet from home. Remove dead plants, trim trees, and create fire breaks.

Typical Cost:

$500 - $3,000 annually

Effectiveness:

Very High

High Priority

Install Fire-Resistant Roofing

Replace wood shakes with Class A fire-rated roofing (metal, tile, asphalt shingles).

Typical Cost:

$8,000 - $25,000

Effectiveness:

Very High

High Priority

Harden Vents and Eaves

Install ember-resistant vents and seal eaves to prevent ember intrusion.

Typical Cost:

$500 - $2,000

Effectiveness:

High

Medium Priority

Use Fire-Resistant Siding

Install fiber cement, stucco, or metal siding instead of wood.

Typical Cost:

$8,000 - $20,000

Effectiveness:

High

Medium Priority

Install Dual-Pane Windows

Tempered glass windows resist breaking from radiant heat.

Typical Cost:

$5,000 - $15,000

Effectiveness:

Medium

Low Priority

Add Fire Sprinkler System

Exterior sprinkler system to wet roof and surrounding area during fires.

Typical Cost:

$3,000 - $10,000

Effectiveness:

Medium

Wildfire Risk Tips for Homebuyers

1. Check Fire Insurance Availability First

Many insurers won't cover homes in extreme fire zones. Get insurance quotes BEFORE making an offer. California's FAIR Plan is the insurer of last resort but is expensive and limited.

2. Assess Evacuation Routes

Visit the property during peak traffic times. Count escape routes - properties with only one road out are extremely dangerous. The 2018 Camp Fire killed 85 people, many trapped during evacuation.

3. Inspect for Fire-Resistant Features

Look for Class A roof, non-combustible siding, dual-pane windows, and ember-resistant vents. Homes built after 2008 in California must meet Chapter 7A fire codes.

4. Budget for Annual Defensible Space Maintenance

Plan $500-$3,000 annually for vegetation clearing, tree trimming, and debris removal. Some HOAs enforce defensible space requirements with fines for non-compliance.

5. Research Local Fire Department Response

Ask about response times, fire station locations, and water availability for firefighting. Remote areas may have volunteer departments with limited resources.

Check All Climate Risks for Your Property

Wildfire is just one of six climate risk factors we track