New Toolkit for Wildfire Risk Mitigation by IBHS and APCIA
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) have launched a new toolkit aimed at helping communities develop effective wildfire mitigation programs. Released on March 25, 2026, the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program Framework is designed to guide local governments, fire services, and community organizations in minimizing wildfire risks through strategic, coordinated efforts.
This resource emphasizes practical, science-based approaches for managing home ignition sources and curbing wildfire spread within neighborhoods. It offers detailed instructions for planning and launching local wildfire risk-reduction initiatives, alongside tools to ensure the sustainability of these programs over time.
Key Components of the Framework
The framework's key components include science-driven home mitigation standards, such as structural hardening and maintaining a 0- to 5-foot noncombustible zone around homes to create defensible spaces. The toolkit also provides assessment and training resources, enabling communities to conduct consistent property evaluations and implement standardized mitigation practices.
Additionally, the toolkit includes administrative aids such as checklists, sample documents, funding considerations, and guidance for outreach and coordination. These resources are intended to facilitate collaboration among homeowners, local partners, and supply chain providers in achieving the collective goal of wildfire risk reduction.
Steve Hawks, IBHS's senior director for wildfire, emphasized the increasing wildfire threat faced by many communities, describing the toolkit as a reliable method to mitigate home ignition and enhance neighborhood resilience. The framework also addresses the risks posed by structure-to-structure fire spread, a critical factor in wildfire damage.
Industry and Community Endorsement
Insurance sector representatives have expressed support for the framework. Kenton Brine of the NW Insurance Council praised the availability of proven tools for fire spread prevention, while Carole Walker from the Rocky Mountain Insurance Association highlighted its utility in enhancing home safety and insurability.
The complete Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program Framework is accessible online via IBHS. The framework includes templates, guidance documents, and materials to support local strategies in wildfire risk mitigation. IBHS is renowned for its research on natural disaster resilience, while APCIA represents property and casualty insurers on a national scale.