Eligible properties must meet all program requirements and be defined as: 

• Single-family detached homes 

• Modular homes 

• HUD-code manufactured homes built after July 1994 

• Multifamily dwellings under four stories 

For multifamily buildings, the entire building must meet all program requirements to qualify. 

Yes.  

• The Base level focuses on ember protection – the leading cause of home ignitions.  

• The Plus level includes all Base requirements and adds protection against flames and radiant heat.  

Most existing homes start with Base and may upgrade to Plus over time (for example, after replacing windows or siding). 

Yes. To earn a designation, you must complete and maintain all required actions for your selected level. Wildfire exploits the weakest link — partial mitigation does not qualify. 

Complete all required actions for your selected level before applying. This includes creating and maintaining the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone and addressing all building and defensible space requirements. 

Once your home meets every requirement, apply, pay the fee, and submit clear eligibility photos demonstrating compliance. 

Yes. To earn a Wildfire Prepared Home designation, you must complete and maintain all required actions for your selected level. Wildfire exploits the weakest link—partial mitigation will not qualify. 

Yes. Contractors, mitigation specialists, or consultants familiar with the program can help prepare your home. At this time, IBHS does not endorse specific contractors, but we provide resource links that may help you find support in your area. IBHS does work with a few strategic partners, such as Madronus, that are listed under Homeowner Resources. 

Follow the photo guide carefully and submit clear, well-lit images that show: 

• All sides of the home 

• Key building features 

• The 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone 

If additional documentation is needed, IBHS staff will contact you through the portal. 

Some homeowners choose to consult a contractor or mitigation specialist first. However, if you choose to do-it-yourself and miss something that will be identified during the photo review or evaluation, IBHS will provide guidance on required corrections. 

If deficiencies are identified, you’ll receive written guidance in the portal on required corrections. You’ll have 60 days to complete updates and resubmit photo documentation. If the application closes due to inactivity, you will need to apply again and pay a new fee. 

The process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly required mitigation work is completed and evaluator availability in your area. 

Typically, evaluations are scheduled within a couple weeks of eligibility approval. Scheduling depends on evaluator availability and region. 

 No. Snow cover prevents proper vegetation and other defensible space assessments. Evaluations must occur when surfaces are visible. 

Expedited scheduling is not available. Complete the requirements and apply early and communicate your timeline when scheduling. 

After your evaluation, documentation is uploaded to the homeowner portal and reviewed by IBHS. Reviews are typically completed within a couple of weeks. 

If additional work is required or questions arise, IBHS will notify you through the portal. Once approved, your designation certificate will be issued there as well. 

You will receive an email, and the portal will update when your designation is approved. You can download your digital certificate from the portal.  

To maintain your designation, you must continue meeting all program requirements. Adding combustible materials within 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone will jeopardize the designation status. 

Insurance discounts are not guaranteed and vary by insurer and state. Many insurers recognize the designation.  

Additional benefits include: 

• Documented risk reduction 

• Potential insurance eligibility improvements 

• Increased resale appeal 

• Greater peace of mind 

The 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone is required. If your setback is less than five feet, you may need to coordinate with your neighbor or HOA to achieve and maintain Zone 0. If Zone 0 cannot be met, the property may not be eligible. 

If protected trees are located within Zone 0 and cannot legally be removed, the home may not be eligible. 

Yes. Detached structures within 30 feet must meet program requirements. The Base level allows limited structures with specific spacing and mitigation requirements. The Plus level requires no detached structures within 30 feet. 

No. Properties under active construction are not eligible. Apply once construction is complete and the home can be evaluated against all requirements. 

Research shows homes most often ignite from embers accumulating next to the structure or from flames and heat from materials burning within five feet. Plants, mulch, and other combustibles near exterior walls create an ignition pathway. 

 The 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone is one of the most effective actions a homeowner can take to reduce ignition risk.  

No. The 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone must contain only noncombustible materials. Even low-growing or drought-tolerant plants can ignite when winds are whipping, embers are flying, and items near homes are igniting. There are no exceptions, even if plants are irrigated or classified as fire-resistant. 

Measure horizontally from the exterior wall outward five feet in all directions. 

 If you have an attached deck, patio, or projection: 

• Measure from the outermost posts if combustible. 

• If fully noncombustible (concrete, metal, stucco, fiber cement), measure from the exterior wall. 

The zone extends vertically to the sky. 

No. Vinyl (plastic) fencing is considered combustible. During extreme wildfire conditions, vinyl can melt, ignite, or contribute to fire spread. All fencing materials within the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone (Zone 0) must be noncombustible. Vinyl fencing within five feet of the home must be replaced with a noncombustible material, such as metal or concrete.

For a Base level designation, measure five feet from the outermost deck posts.  

For a Plus level designation, decking must be noncombustible to qualify. 

If the patio is fully noncombustible and extends five feet from the wall, it satisfies the requirement in that area. Measure from the wall outward. 

Hot tubs must: 

• Be at least 10 feet from exterior walls and other large combustibles.  

• Have noncombustible material extending 2 feet around all sides if located on combustible decking (wood or composite).  

• If on a noncombustible patio or deck, maintain the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone around them. 

No. Fire-retardant materials can still burn, even though they’ve been chemically treated to burn slower. Move all combustible furniture at least 5 feet away to help ensure your furniture doesn’t ignite your home.  

Store firewood and wood piles at least 30 feet away from the home, unless it’s in an approved accessory structure. Fire-retardant tarps are not permitted. 

Option 1: 30-Foot Separation 

• The tank is located at least 30 feet from the home. 

OR 

Option 2: 10-Foot Placement with Required Clearance 

The tank must be at least 10 feet from the home and have the following minimum clearance: 

From 0–10 Feet (Surrounding the Tank): 

• Maintain 10 feet of noncombustible clearance to bare mineral soil by removing vegetation, groundcover, fences, and all combustible materials. 

• Permitted materials include gravel, pavers, river rock, decomposed granite, steppingstones, or concrete. 

• Healthy, mature trees may remain but must be limbed up with at least 6 feet of clearance above the tank. 

From 10–20 Feet (Surrounding the Tank): 

• Extend clearance an additional 10 feet by: 

• Cutting grass to less than 4 inches 

• Removing shrubs, bushes, small trees, and dead vegetation (limbs, logs, stumps) 

• Healthy, mature trees may remain but must be limbed up with at least 6 feet of clearance above the tank. 

Yes, for Base level, exterior walls must include at least 6 vertical inches of noncombustible material at the ground level and above attached horizontal surfaces (e.g., deck or patio). 

This can be achieved by already having exposed concrete foundation or by installing noncombustible material (e.g., fiber-cement siding, metal flashing, brick or stone masonry, stucco) at the base of the wall. Purchase a matching or contrasting color or paint to match or complement your existing siding. 

Combustible materials can ignite and burn when exposed to embers, flames, or heat. Common examples include: 

• Siding: Vinyl, insulated vinyl, plastic composite (polymer), wood lap/shake/shingle siding, engineered wood 

• Fences/Decks: Any type of wood (even if “fire-resistant”), composite decking, vinyl decking, decks built on wood joists 

• Other materials: Cloth or fabric, mulch (wood or rubber), pine needles, grass, vegetation (even if irrigated), plastic items, trash bins, propane, straw 

Noncombustible materials will not ignite or burn when exposed to fire. 

Common examples include: 

• Siding: Three-coat stucco, fiber-cement, brick, stone, masonry veneer, metal 

• Decks: Steel joists, lightweight concrete, tile, stone, pavers, brick, aluminum 

• Groundcover / hardscape: Gravel, river rock, decomposed granite (DG), steppingstones, concrete 

(Materials that meet ASTM E136 are considered noncombustible.) 

• Check your home’s eligibility and see the full process on the About page. 
• Download the How-To Prepare My Home Checklist to understand how to reduce your wildfire risk. 

• Review the Wildfire Prepared Home Technical Standard for additional guidance. 

• Once you apply, submit questions through the Wildfire Prepared Portal and an IBHS team member will assist you.