IBHS Expands Wildfire Prepared Home Program
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is expanding its Wildfire Prepared Home program into Wyoming and other states to mitigate wildfire risks. This initiative, launched in 2022, seeks to convert resilience research into practical guidelines for homeowners. By completing specific mitigation steps and gaining third-party verification, homeowners can certify their property as better equipped to withstand wildfires.
To date, over 1,400 homes have achieved the Wildfire Prepared Home status, complementing more than 90,000 homes certified with the FORTIFIED Home designation for wind resilience. While this designation does not directly reduce insurance premiums, IBHS projects that improved wildfire readiness will ultimately decrease potential claims and, consequently, insurance costs.
Research at IBHS’s South Carolina facility indicates that wind-borne embers cause the majority of residential damage during wildfires. These embers, capable of traveling great distances, ignite structures when landing on vulnerable spots such as vents and gutters.
Two Levels of Wildfire Protection
The Wildfire Prepared Home program offers two protection levels—Base and Plus. Base protection targets existing homes, focusing on ember infiltration prevention by retrofitting structures with metal mesh covers and maintaining a noncombustible perimeter. The Plus level provides additional defenses against radiant heat and flames, using durable materials like noncombustible siding and tempered glass windows.
A key aspect of the program involves maintaining a five-foot noncombustible zone around homes to prevent ember ignition. This requires removing potential fuel sources, such as vegetation and wood mulch, near the building.
Homeowners in Wyoming can start the certification process through the program's website. After completing required mitigation actions and submitting photos for an assessment, a third-party evaluator conducts a final verification. A fee is applicable for this certification.
As wildfire threats grow, the insurance industry increasingly values homes with verified mitigations. According to IBHS President and CEO Roy Wright, community preparedness significantly affects the survivability of structures during wildfires. By 2026, IBHS aims to expand the program to 14 states, collaborating with neighborhoods to integrate wildfire readiness into residential community designs.