FEMA National Risk Index hazard
Prepare your home for wildfire
Wildfire likelihood and exposure where wildland vegetation meets homes.
75 US counties are rated Relatively High or Very High for wildfire by FEMA’s National Risk Index. The three things that matter most at home: 1. Clear dead leaves and needles from gutters, the roof and under decks. 2. Keep the first 5 feet around the house free of anything that burns (mulch, firewood, plants). 3. Cover vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to keep embers out.
Before the season
- Make the 0–5 foot zone around the house noncombustible (gravel, pavers).
- Move firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet from the house.
- Replace damaged window screens and seal gaps where embers could enter.
- Make a go-bag and know two ways out of your neighborhood.
When a warning comes
- Leave early when told to; do not wait for an order if conditions feel unsafe.
- Close windows, vents and doors; shut off gas at the meter only if officials advise it.
- Move flammable patio furniture inside.
After
- Return only when officials say it is safe.
- Check the roof, gutters and attic for smoldering embers for several days.
- Wear an N95 respirator during ash cleanup.
Ask your insurer
Ask whether your insurer offers credits for wildfire mitigation, and keep photos of the work you do. We explain and organize; we never predict coverage.
Ready.gov: Wildfires Checklist: original casaq guidance
Counties with the highest wildfire scores
Top 25 by FEMA NRI risk score for this hazard. Scores and ratings are relative to other US counties, not probabilities of a loss.
| # | County | Rating | Score | Recorded events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego County, CA | Very High | 100.0 | — |
| 2 | Riverside County, CA | Very High | 100.0 | — |
| 3 | Los Angeles County, CA | Very High | 99.9 | — |
| 4 | San Bernardino County, CA | Very High | 99.9 | — |
| 5 | Elko County, NV | Relatively High | 99.9 | — |
| 6 | Washington County, UT | Relatively High | 99.8 | — |
| 7 | Orange County, CA | Relatively High | 99.8 | — |
| 8 | Ventura County, CA | Relatively High | 99.8 | — |
| 9 | Kern County, CA | Relatively High | 99.7 | — |
| 10 | El Dorado County, CA | Relatively High | 99.7 | — |
| 11 | Kittitas County, WA | Relatively High | 99.7 | — |
| 12 | Pima County, AZ | Relatively High | 99.7 | — |
| 13 | Maricopa County, AZ | Relatively High | 99.6 | — |
| 14 | Yavapai County, AZ | Relatively High | 99.6 | — |
| 15 | Chelan County, WA | Relatively High | 99.6 | — |
| 16 | Jefferson County, CO | Relatively High | 99.5 | — |
| 17 | Shasta County, CA | Relatively High | 99.5 | — |
| 18 | Calaveras County, CA | Relatively High | 99.5 | — |
| 19 | Nevada County, CA | Relatively High | 99.4 | — |
| 20 | Coconino County, AZ | Relatively High | 99.4 | — |
| 21 | Madera County, CA | Relatively High | 99.4 | — |
| 22 | Tuolumne County, CA | Relatively High | 99.3 | — |
| 23 | Okanogan County, WA | Relatively High | 99.3 | — |
| 24 | El Paso County, CO | Relatively High | 99.3 | — |
| 25 | Josephine County, OR | Relatively High | 99.2 | — |