New IBHS Report Reveals Strategies for Improving Home Resilience Against Wildfires
New IBHS Report Reveals Strategies for Improving Home Resilience Against Wildfires
In a pivotal study released by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), new findings shed light on how homeowners can substantially improve the resilience of their properties during wildfire events. Conducted after the devastating 2025 Los Angeles County Fires, which included the Eaton and Palisades fires, this report underscores the importance of adopting a systematic approach to wildfire mitigation.
Findings Overview
The report, titled The 2025 LA Conflagrations, details the results from comprehensive field investigations carried out between January 13-19, 2025. Researchers evaluated over 250 properties, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to provide quantified data on how structure spacing, the density of combustible materials, and building materials collectively influence a home's ability to withstand fires. This comprehensive assessment revealed that homes are less likely to suffer damage when they feature greater spacing and lower connective fuel density, thereby allowing noncombustible materials to perform effectively.
According to Roy Wright, President and CEO of IBHS, the findings are crucial for densely populated areas like Los Angeles. He stated, “We can’t necessarily change the spacing of structures, but we can adopt a system of mitigations that prevents wildfires from cascading destruction block by block. Home hardening and a designated noncombustible Zone Zero are essential strategies that can significantly enhance a homeowner's chances of returning to their property after a fire.”
The Role of Home Hardening
The study dives into specific hardening features that can contribute significantly to fire resistance. Homes equipped with four key features—a Class A roof, noncombustible siding, double-pane windows, and enclosed eaves—showed a 54% likelihood of avoiding damage compared to just 36% for homes that implemented only one of these defenses. These figures underscore the importance of a multi-faceted approach towards home safety in wildfire-prone areas.
Moreover, the study found alarming statistics regarding vegetation in the noncombustible Zone Zero, where more than 25% fuel coverage dramatically increased the risk of a property being damaged or destroyed, pushing the likelihood up to nearly 90%. Homeowners are thus encouraged to maintain a defensible space around their properties to minimize the risk of fire spread.
Vegetation Management
To further emphasize home protection, a distinct report titled Vegetation in Zone 0 Amplifying Damage to Structures was also released, showcasing 17 experiments that highlight how even well-watered vegetation within five feet of a home can significantly heighten heat exposure and amplify fire damage. Particularly in the context of the LA Fires, ordinary items like patio furniture and trash bins within this risky area were identified as potential pathways for flames to ignite structures.
Dr. Murray Morrison, managing director of research at IBHS, pointed out, “The narratives of damage caused by fires become clearer when we analyze the patterns. Wildfire does not sweep through in a predictable manner; it exploits vulnerabilities one by one, revealing where homeowners can take proactive steps to mitigate fire hazards.”
The Bigger Picture
Insights from the study are bolstered by data from CAL FIRE’s Damage Inspection Program (DINS), which recorded extensive damage across 30,000 structures during the fires. While the DINS captures the broad patterns of loss, the IBHS data pinpoints why certain homes ignited, demonstrating the critical interplay between nearby fuels and structural vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, the findings serve as a call to action for homeowners in fire-prone regions. By adopting scientifically-backed mitigation strategies, residents can fortify their homes, reduce the risk of fire spreading, and contribute to the community's collective safety. For more detailed reports, visit IBHS.
About IBHS
The IBHS is dedicated to conducting rigorous scientific research aimed at promoting effective strategies that can bolster homes, businesses, and communities against the threats posed by natural disasters. By sharing their findings, IBHS aims to equip individuals with the knowledge necessary to protect their properties and enhance resilience against wildfires and other hazards.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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