Protect Your Home From Wildfire

Wildfires, also known as forest fires or bushfires, can start in several ways. The most common causes of wildfires include:

• Lightning strikes are a common cause of wildfires in forests and grasslands. Dry weather conditions and strong winds can also contribute to the spread of wildfires ignited by lightning.
• Human activities are responsible for most of the wildfires that occur. Careless discarding of cigarette butts, campfires left unattended, burning debris, fireworks, and intentional acts of arson are some of the most common ways that people start wildfires.
• Electrical equipment, such as power lines or transformers, can sometimes cause sparks that ignite wildfires, especially during dry or windy conditions.

Once a wildfire is started, it can spread quickly, especially under hot, dry, and windy conditions. Wildfires can also be fueled by the presence of dry vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, and grasses, which can easily catch fire and spread flames. Wildfire embers can fly up to two miles, causing ignition, so it is critical to keep a noncombustible defensible space around your home.

Preventing wildfires requires a combination of actions, including proper forest management, responsible use of fire, and public education on fire safety. When a wildfire does occur, firefighters and other emergency responders work quickly to contain and extinguish the fire to minimize damage to property and natural resources.

Wildfires can occur at any time of the year, but they are most common during periods of hot, dry weather. In many regions, the peak wildfire season occurs during the summer months, when temperatures are high and humidity is low. However, in some areas, wildfires can occur year-round, especially in places with dry and windy conditions.

Factors such as drought, heat waves, and high winds can increase the risk of wildfires by drying out vegetation and making it more susceptible to ignition. Lightning strikes are also more common during certain times of the year, which can increase the risk of wildfires caused by natural factors.

It’s important to note that wildfires can occur in any region, and even areas with relatively moist or wet conditions can experience wildfires if the weather conditions are right. It’s crucial to follow fire safety guidelines and monitor weather conditions in your area to minimize the risk of wildfires and stay safe if one does occur.

An approaching wildfire often gives off several visible, audible, and environmental clues. If you notice any of these signs, especially more than one, stay alert and follow local emergency instructions.

Common warning signs include:

• Smell of smoke, even if you can’t see a fire
• A sudden change in air quality—hazy, thick, or irritating
• Darkening skies or an orange glow on the horizon
• Ash or embers falling—embers can travel miles ahead of a fire
• Crackling sounds from burning vegetation
• Increased wind blowing toward your home or neighborhood
• Emergency alerts, sirens, or notifications from local officials
• Wildlife movement—animals fleeing an area can indicate advancing fire

If you see these warning signs, prepare to take action: review your evacuation plan, clear debris near your home, and monitor updates from emergency managers.

You can reduce wildfire risk by creating space between your home and anything that can burn, using fire-resistant building materials, and keeping your property clear of debris. Even small improvements can make a difference when embers start to fall.

Key steps to protect your home:

• Create a five-foot noncombustible zone around the house. Keep this area free of mulch, leaves, firewood, pine needles, and anything that can catch fire.
• Trim trees and shrubs, remove dead vegetation, and keep grass short.
• Remove ladder fuels and clean gutters, roofs, and decks so dry debris can’t ignite.
• Install screens on vents and openings, especially exterior attic vents, to keep embers out.
• Choose fire resistant materials for roofs, siding, and decks when you repair or remodel.
• Store flammable items like propane tanks or firewood away from the home.
• Make sure firefighters or forest services can reach you by clearing driveway access and displaying visible house numbers.
• Review your evacuation plan and keep important documents handy.

These steps can help slow the spread of fire, reduce ember ignition, and give firefighters a better chance to defend your home if a wildfire moves into your area.

Yes. Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover wildfire damage, but coverage can vary by state and by insurer. It’s important to understand what your policy includes so you know how well you’re protected before a fire happens.

What insurance usually covers:

• Damage to the home and attached structures
• Personal belongings that are lost or destroyed
• Additional living expenses if you have to relocate during repairs
• Smoke damage and ash cleanup

What to check in your policy:

• Your dwelling coverage limit and whether it reflects current rebuilding costs
• Coverage for outbuildings, fences, and landscaping
• Exclusions or special conditions for homes in high-risk wildfire areas
• Deductibles that apply to wildfire losses

If you live in a region with frequent wildfire activity, talk with your agent about strengthening your coverage, ensure your inventory is up to date, and understand what documentation you’ll need if you ever have to file a claim.