What States Are At Risk for Wildfires in 2015?

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., April 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildfires are a serious risk to property and lives in every state in the country. Last year alone the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported there were 63,212 fires in the U.S. and Puerto Rico that burned 3,595,613 million acres – that's roughly the size of Connecticut! In an effort to help raise community and homeowner awareness about preparing for wildfires, State Farm and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working together and encouraging residents to take action during national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. 

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On May 2^nd, State Farm, NFPA, and Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) are co-sponsoring the second national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and encouraging community volunteers, neighborhoods, and individual homeowners to join forces in creating safer places to live. As an additional incentive, 65 community projects in 26 states have been chosen to receive grants from State Farm to assist with implementing their wildfire preparation projects. These efforts are part of the Year of Living Less Dangerously from Wildfire, a year-long campaign aimed at empowering homeowners and fire departments to take action that will help reduce injuries and damage to homes and property as a result of wildfires.

The combination of drought, high winds and an excess of dried vegetation has made fire seasons increasingly dangerous each year. Add that to the increasing number of communities that are located near woodlands or grassland and the risk climbs even higher. Of the top 10 states with the number of wildfires in 2014, Texas was #1 with 9,677 fires. 

1. Texas                         9,677 fires; 131,138 acres burned
2. California                     7,865 fires; 555,044 acres burned
3. North Carolina              4,625 fires; 15,601 acres burned
4. Georgia                       3,562 fires; 19,199 acres burned
5. Oregon                        3,087 fires; 985,629 acres burned
6. Florida                         2,436 fires; 101,599 acres burned
7. Alabama                      2,093 fires; 40,527 acres burned
8. Montana                      1,646 fires; 38,118 acres burned
9. Arizona                        1,543 fires; 205,199 acres burned
10. Washington                 1,480 fires; 386,972 acres burned

Data provided by the NIFC

State Farm reminds homeowners that the best way to reduce property loss due to wildfire is to plan ahead. One of the most important steps to reduce wildfire damage is to clear and maintain a defensible space around your home and structures. Clearing or trimming vegetation reduces the chance of fire damage, minimizes ignition from embers, and provides a safety zone for firefighters. Here are several easy and inexpensive ways to create defensible space:

• Take care of the clean, open space around your home by removing dead shrubs, dried grass, fallen branches and dried leaves within 30 feet on all sides of a structure.
• Keep trees and shrubs properly thinned and pruned within the defensible space.
• Remove ladder fuels – plants, low branches, and fire wood that let a fire on the ground climb into the trees.
• Clear three to five feet around the base of the house and fill the space with fire-resistant plants or materials such as rocks or gravel.
• Keep your roof and gutters clear of debris and remove overhanging branches.
• Keep grass and weeds mowed at a low height.

In addition to protecting your home, review your homeowner's insurance coverage with your agent, especially if you have made recent changes to your property. We recommend that you purchase an amount of coverage at least equal to the estimated replacement cost. Since it is impossible to predict today what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, it's important to have enough coverage to account for unforeseen circumstances. Remember to document your belongings by creating a home inventory. An accurate inventory and proof of ownership can make your claim settlement easier and faster.

For more information and ideas on how to make your community wildfire ready, visit the Wildfire Community Preparedness Day webpage at www.wildfireprepday.org.

About State Farm 
State Farm and its' affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve over 82 million policies and accounts – nearly 80 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 41 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit https://www.statefarm.com/.

SOURCE State Farm