IBHS releases updated Wildfire Prepared Home Standard

Guidance reflects the latest wildfire research to help homeowners reduce ignition risks

RICHBURG, S.C., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As extreme wildfires become more frequent and intense, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released the first update to its Wildfire Prepared Home™ Technical Standard to help homeowners defend their properties.

Updates are geared toward addressing common homeowner questions about mitigation requirements, including installing flame- and ember-resistant vents and ensuring a 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone, a critical element in effective wildfire mitigation. As seen in recent major wildfire conflagration events, this area – often referred to as Zone 0 – is key in stopping ignition from embers and flames near the home.

"This update to the standard reflects what we've learned through continued research and real-world application," said Steve Hawks, IBHS senior director for wildfire. "The Wildfire Prepared Home designation program puts science into the hands of homeowners who can take immediate, manageable steps to protect their homes from devastating wildfires."

Key updates to the standard include:

• Clearer definitions of designation levels, timelines and eligibility requirements.
• A new section to address preparedness during Red Flag Warnings and extended absences from the home.
• A revised How-To Prepare My Home Checklist to assist homeowners with how to complete the required mitigation steps to achieve a designation.

"As we continue to provide guidance to support property owners as they complete mitigation actions we know make a difference, we're helping more homes survive wildfire events and homeowners improve their access to insurance," Hawks added. "We know this is top of mind for those living in areas at high risk to wildfire."

Established in 2022, Wildfire Prepared Home is the first-ever wildfire mitigation program allowing homeowners to earn a designation by completing a set of science-based actions addressing three vulnerable areas of a home – the roof, specific building features and defensible space – to meaningfully reduce their home's wildfire risk. The designation is currently available in California and Oregon with updates for additional states as they are added on wildfireprepared.org.

The Wildfire Prepared program takes a systems-based approach and features two designation levels. The base level offers a set of fundamental wildfire mitigation measures to protect homes from wind-driven embers, the leading cause of home ignitions, and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to the structure. The plus level builds upon base-level requirements and adds enhanced protection against direct flame contact and radiant heat.

Homeowners can get started by reviewing the How-To Prepare My Home Checklist, which outlines the required set of actions such as maintaining defensible space and upgrading key building features to help reduce the chance of home ignition.

Once a designation is achieved, homeowners must take an active role in maintaining the three-year designation by submitting an annual review that verifies ongoing landscaping maintenance, so the property continues to comply with program requirements and is better protected from wildfire.

Learn more about the new standard and program – including accessing a copy of the checklist – at wildfireprepared.org

About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)  

The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss. Learn more at ibhs.org. 

SOURCE Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety