There are a number of factors that can make a neighborhood either safer from or more vulnerable to a wildfire. The
Hazard and Wildfire Risk Assessment Scoresheet
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is used to evaluate the wildfire hazard of a subdivision or neighborhood. The 24 items listed on the scoresheet are factors in the wildfire safety of a neighborhood located in the wildland/urban interface. The greater the possible points for a particular item, the more important that particular item is for wildfire safety.
Below are the factors (characteristics of the neighborhood) that are typically evaluated:
- Access. How difficult is it for emergency equipment to get in? How difficult would it be for residents to evacuate?
- Vegetation. How flammable is the vegetation and how close is it to structures?
- Building Construction. Are the homes made of fire-resistant building materials?
- Fire Protection. How far is the nearest fire station?
- Utilities. Do the utilities represent a hazard?
- Additional Rating Factors. Other factors that increase risk (e.g., Is there a significant number of undeveloped lots interspersed with homes?
When the Hazard and Wildfire Risk Assessment Scoresheet has been completed, a subdivision/neighborhood will fall into one of five categories:
- Low Hazard: Less than 50 points
- Moderate Hazard: 50–74 point
- High Hazard: 75–99 points
- Very High Hazard: 100–120 points
- Extreme Hazard: More than 120 points
The value of the Hazard and Wildfire Risk Assessment Scoresheet is that it can be used as a "checklist" to develop a quantitative hazard rating for a subdivision. Residents and fire protection partners can then focus on implementing strategies to mitigate the hazard and lower the hazard rating score.
Help Prevent Wildfire in Your Community
Our Wildfire Mitigation Specialists present Firewise workshops and other information about how you can lower your wildfire risk and help prevent wildfires. Contact the Wildfire Mitigation Specialist in your area.