Wildfire Risk — National Overview

Wildfire risk is rising across the US. The USFS Wildfire Hazard Potential (WHP) index measures long-term likelihood and intensity — here's how to read it and what it means for your home.

What Is the Wildfire Hazard Potential (WHP)?

The US Forest Service (USFS) produces the Wildfire Hazard Potential (WHP) index — a national raster dataset measuring the relative potential for wildfire that would be difficult to control. It integrates fuel (vegetation) conditions, topography, and historical fire weather data.

WHP is not a probability that fire will occur — it measures how difficult a fire would be to suppress if one did ignite. High WHP means high fuel loads + hot/dry/windy conditions = higher risk for homeowners and firefighters.

WHP Risk Categories

Very High
Score 75–100

Dense, dry fuel loads in areas with frequent high-wind, low-humidity events. California mountains, Southern California, parts of Oregon/Washington.

High
Score 50–74

Significant fire risk. Common in the Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, and parts of the Southern Great Plains.

Moderate
Score 25–49

Some fire risk, particularly during drought years. Many transition-zone communities across the interior West.

Low
Score 0–24

Low likelihood of difficult-to-control wildfire. Typical for humid Eastern states and urban/suburban areas.

California Wildfire Risk

California consistently ranks as the state with the highest wildfire risk. The combination of Mediterranean climate (wet winters, hot dry summers), vast wildland-urban interface, and Santa Ana/Diablo wind events creates ideal fire conditions. Southern California — especially Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties — faces very high WHP scores.

Wildfire Risk and Home Insurance

Unlike flood insurance (which is tied to FEMA maps), wildfire risk is factored into standard homeowners insurance. However, insurers are increasingly withdrawing coverage from high-risk areas in California, Colorado, and Oregon. Homeowners in high-WHP zones may need to seek coverage through state FAIR Plans.

Who Should Care About Wildfire Risk?

Homebuyers: Consider WHP when evaluating properties near wildland areas. The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) — where developed land borders forested or brushy areas — represents the highest-risk zone.

Insurers: WHP is increasingly used as a rating factor in property insurance models.

Local governments: High WHP areas require defensible space regulations, ember-resistant building codes, and evacuation planning.

How to Reduce Your Wildfire Risk

Highest Wildfire Risk Cities