CoreLogic: 2.6 million homes at high risk of fire

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Today, CoreLogic released 2024 Fire Risks Reportwhich revealed that more than 2.6 million homes in the western US are at moderate to very high risk of wildfire damage this season. More than a million of these homes are at very high risk of fire, and overall, the total estimated cost of rebuilding is more than $1 trillion. Fires have burned more than 4 million acres this yearmuch higher than the 10-year national average of burned hectares.

“In recent years, we have seen wildfires occur in unexpected places, reinforcing the need to understand the risk landscape and take mitigation measures. Both insurers and consumers have a role to play in ensuring adequate protection” , said Jon Schneyer, CoreLogic Director of CoreLogic. response to the catastrophe, in a press release. “These numbers may seem overwhelming, but research shows that mitigation efforts make a real difference in potential fire losses. The good news is that there are actions people can take to reduce the risk.”

California, Colorado and Texas lead the 14 states with moderate or high fire risk, sharing 70 percent of the risk. The Los Angeles metropolitan area leads the nation in the number of high-risk homes, with more than 245,000 homes at risk of fire. The total estimated cost of reconstruction is over $186 billion.

The CoreLogic report also includes mitigation measures that can help communities and individuals in at-risk areas, referencing information from Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) and its Fire Prepared Homes Program that helps homeowners take preventative measures against wildfires.

For individual homeowners, providing a 1.5 meter buffer around the home that removes any vegetation, overhanging trees or branches, grass, lawns, wooden fences or flammable materials can help mitigate fire damage. Also, vehicles must not be stored in the buffer zone and the entire area must be free. It is recommended that you keep your yard and deck within 30 feet of your home by clearing debris, replacing combustible deck furniture, and preparing your home with a Class A roof, metal gutters, and fire-resistant vents.

Community-level measures include implementing fire-informed development models that allow communities to determine the number of structures within their city limits, reducing the number of structures as needed, and help focus rebuilding site in areas of lower fire risk . Establishing external buffer zones is also recommended for communities to create a low potential for fire to spread around the city.