How to Protect Homes in Your Community With Firewise

Wildfires have been a growing concern, and with climate change exacerbating the risk, it’s crucial to understand the dangers and how to mitigate them. Recent U.S. wildfires in 2023 exemplify this threat, with over 56,580 fires burning approximately 2,693,910 acres, affecting countless homeowners. While the acreage burned was below the 10-year average, incidents like the Lahaina, Hawaii disaster have led to the destruction of approximately 4,300 structures. In 2024, localized extreme events further highlighted the peril, with Texas’s Smokehouse Creek Fire and considerable residential losses in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Homeowners in high-risk zones must take proactive measures to protect their property and loved ones.

Communities such as Wallowa Lake, Oregon are examples of residents taking fire safety into their own hands. Despite the support from state and federal agencies, resources are stretched thin due to the high number of declared high-risk zones. Wallowa Lake residents have initiated a Firewise community, a proactive move to enhance fire safety.

Michelle Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), explains that the Firewise USA® program is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. The initiative offers a framework for neighbors to organize, find direction, and act to increase their homes’ ignition resistance and the community’s overall safety.

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As a Firewise community, Wallowa Lake residents collaborate with the local Forestland Program Manager to devise an action plan that reduces fire risks. The program offers educational resources, training, and grants to support forest thinning and equipment purchase efforts. These initiatives, alongside new funding and policy incentives like USDA’s Community Wildfire Defense Grants, help reduce homeowners insurance costs for participating residents.

Rising Homeowners Insurance Rates Due to Recent Wildfires

Climate change is a major factor in the rise of extreme fire weather and vegetation drying. Hotter temperatures and prolonged droughts increase fuel aridity, making shrubs, grasses, and forests more prone to ignition and fueling large, difficult-to-control fires. Wildfire risks span much of the West and parts of the Plains and Southwest during peak wildfire season, affecting millions of homeowners.

Insurance companies have faced significant challenges in wildfire-exposed states. In 2023, the U.S. set a record with 28 separate weather and climate disasters, each causing at least $1 billion in losses. As a result, homeowners anticipate increased fire insurance rates or even losing existing coverage. Some states now mandate insurers offer discounts for verified wildfire mitigation, offsetting costs when homeowners harden their properties and join recognized community programs.

What’s Involved in Making Your Community Firewise?

Interest in Firewise communities is growing, especially in western states like California, Oregon, and Washington. But what steps are necessary to become “Firewise”?

Start by exploring the resources at www.firewise.org. The site offers tip sheets, videos, and updates on other Firewise USA® communities. Engaging with neighboring communities provides insights into effective strategies.

Becoming a Firewise USA® site involves several steps:

Get Organized

Form a committee with neighbors. Firewise sites consist of 8 to 2,500 single-family dwelling units. Once organized, invite local fire department representatives and elected officials to participate.

Order a Wildfire Risk Assessment

Request a written wildfire risk assessment from your state forestry agency or fire department. This assessment should focus on the condition of homes and their ignition risk, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Keep assessments updated and approved by local fire authorities.

Create an Action Plan

Develop a priority list of projects aimed at reducing fire risks. This action plan should include homeowner tasks and periodic training, updated every three years.

Put the Plan To Action

Host outreach meetings to promote the community’s fire safety strategy. Encourage neighbors to volunteer in implementing the action plan.

Firewise requires communities to invest at least one volunteer hour per dwelling annually in wildfire risk reduction activities. The NFPA standardizes this by valuing volunteer time financially.

Apply

Apply online at portal.firewise.org. Share your community’s fire risk reduction efforts and submit annual renewals documenting progress.

How Being Firewise Can Improve Your Homeowners Insurance Rates

Home insurance rates are based on risk assessment. Actively reducing ignition risks by maintaining properties can lead to premium savings. Insurers like USAA offer discounts to policyholders in recognized Firewise USA® communities in select states.

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming

The Bottom Line

Extreme weather events, like wildfires, are increasingly common. Homeowners in high-risk zones face greater chances of property damage. However, organizing a Firewise USA® site can significantly enhance property protection and lead to insurance savings. For current wildfire statistics and outlooks, visit the National Interagency Fire Center.

Featured photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images.