Western states top fire risk scores in new analysis

California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Arizona are the states most at risk for wildfires, earning an “F” rating, according to a new analysis by Guidewire that breaks down U.S. wildfire risk at the local, state and national levels.

Guidewire’s HazardHub Data and Risk Scores for Insurers uses more than 1,000 data points and HazardHub Risk Scores for climate and extreme weather risks.

Related: Report: 2.6 million $1.3 trillion homes at moderate to very high fire risk

Texas has averaged 217.3 significant fires per year over the past decade, compared to California’s average of 203 fires per year. Texas is experiencing more fires, but they are spread over more rural land, meaning fewer homes are at risk than in California.

The top states by number of homes at high risk of wildfire (rated “F” for wildfire risk) are:

1. California: 1.03 million homes
2. Oregon: 100,000 homes
3. Colorado: 64.5 thousand houses
4. Washington: 61.8 thousand houses
5. Arizona: 61.7 thousand homes

HazardHub uses granular geographic data, up-to-date vegetation data, proximity to hydrants and fire stations, historical fire data and environmental factors to assess fire risk. High temperatures, low humidity and seasonal winds exacerbate wildfire risk, especially in California and Texas. According to the report, the mountainous and rugged terrain and vegetation of the western states, such as forests, brush and grasslands, can also promote the spread of wildfires.

Related: How California’s Homeowners Insurance Crisis Affects Brokers

Guidewire reports that the 10 percent of homes rated “F” for wildfire risk suffer 98 percent of property damage from wildfires. Homes in “F” zoned areas are approximately 40 times more likely to sustain damage compared to homes in other parts of the state.

The analysis found that home preparedness efforts can reduce the risk of fire damage by between 20 percent and 70 percent, depending on the level of preparedness undertaken.

TOPICS
Catastrophe Natural disasters Fire