The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s Wildfire Prepared Home designations are available for Washington homeowners. The program offers two levels of protection — Base and Plus — and provides homeowners with a checklist of mitigation steps scientifically proven to reduce wildfire risk and maintain insurability.

How it works

Homeowners use IBHS’ checklist to make improvements to their property. These steps include: 

  • Clearing leaves, pine needles, and other debris from roofs and gutters.
  • Removing wood, plants, and other things that can burn from the area close to the home.
  • Creating defensible space around the home.
  • Checking vents, decks, fences, and other areas where embers can collect.
  • Using Class A fire-rated roof covering, like asphalt shingles, tile, slate or metal.
  • Maintaining 6 inches of noncombustible siding or exposed concrete foundation at the base of exterior walls and above attached decks or patios.

To apply, homeowners must complete the required work, submit an online application with the $125 fee, provide photos of the home and property, and complete a third-party review. If the home meets the program requirements, IBHS will issue a Wildfire Prepared Home certificate.

Homeowners should review the program requirements before applying. A certificate is not guaranteed; the home must meet IBHS standards. The certificate is transferable if the property is sold, and designations are valid for three years.

Wildfire Prepared Home offers two designation levels that reflect increasing levels of wildfire protection. 

  • Base (Essential) Level: Focuses on protection from wind-blown embers, the leading cause of home ignitions. Most existing homes can be retrofitted to achieve this level. 
  • Plus (Enhanced) Level: Builds on the Base (Essential) level by adding protections against flames and radiant heat. This level is often achieved during new construction or major exterior renovations.

Commissioner Kuderer’s proposed Strengthen Washington Homes grant program would help people pay for the improvements required to obtain a Wildfire Prepared Home designation, using funds from the OIC’s regulatory accounts and not the state general fund.