Wildfire Prepared Home™ Technical Standard
The Wildfire Prepared Home™ Technical Standard defines the science-based requirements used to evaluate whether a property qualifies for a Wildfire Prepared Home designation. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the standard provides detailed specifications designed to reduce vulnerabilities that lead to home ignitions during a wildfire event.
2025 Technical Standard Update- Effective June 1, 2026
This version of the Technical Standard is approved for current Wildfire Prepared Home designations.
Who Uses the Technical Standard
The Technical Standard is primarily used by:
- Builders and contractors
- Wildfire mitigation professionals
- Technically minded homeowners seeking detailed requirements
- Community planners
- Building officials
- Local fire jurisdictions
- Architects and landscape architects
A Complete Approach to Protecting Your Home
Wildfire Prepared Home focuses on the vulnerabilities that research shows most often lead to home ignition.
Because wildfire can spread through multiple vulnerabilities, mitigation is most effective when defensible space, building features, and ember intrusion pathways are addressed together.
Homes that address these vulnerabilities are better prepared to withstand ember exposure and wildfire conditions.
Wildfire Prepared Home Program Levels
Wildfire Prepared Home offers two designation levels that reflect increasing levels of wildfire protection.
- Base (Essential) Level
Focuses on protection from wind-blown embers, the leading cause of home ignitions. - Plus (Enhanced) Level
Builds on the Base (Essential) level by adding protections against flames and radiant heat. This level is often achieved during new construction or major exterior renovations.
Compare Levels: Base (Essential) vs. Plus (Enhanced)
Homeowners: Start with the Checklist
Most homeowners will find it easier to begin with the Wildfire Prepared Home: How-To Prepare Checklist, which translates the Technical Standard into a practical, step-by-step preparation guide.
The checklist explains:
- Which designation level – Base (Essential) or Plus (Enhanced) may be the right starting point
- What mitigation actions are required
- How to prepare a property before applying
Stay In The Know
Want to keep up with the latest news from Wildfire Prepared Home? Sign up for updates today.