Wildfire risk is no longer limited to a single season. Weather patterns, drought conditions, and fuel loads now drive wildfire exposure year-round. Understanding these shifts and acting before dangerous conditions arrive is one of the most effective ways homeowners can protect their homes.

Why Seasonal Wildfire Risk Is Changing

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), embers and small flames are the primary threats to homes during wildfires, often carried long distances by wind. Research shows that conditions both inside and immediately outside your home affect whether it will ignite during a fire event.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) consistently finds that embers are the leading cause of home ignition and that these hazards can occur regardless of the official “wildfire season.”

Seasonal Risks Homeowners Often Overlook

Each season brings unique fire exposures:

• Winter/Early Spring: Wind-driven embers and dry fuels.
• Late Spring: Rapid growth followed by drying vegetation.
• Summer: Peak wildfire conditions with extreme heat and drought.
• Fall: Wind events and accumulated debris.

Experts emphasize that homes ignite due to near-home conditions, not just proximity to the wildfire itself.

Protecting Your Home From the Inside and Out

A holistic approach matters:

Outside:

• Maintain defensible space and clear debris near structures.
• Reinforce vulnerable areas such as vents and eaves.
  

Inside

• Clean dryer and HVAC vents.
• Inspect attics for debris and repair gaps or cracks.

Preparing Ahead Makes the Difference

Wildfire defense isn’t about one moment or one upgrade. It’s about building resilience year-round, protecting your home from the inside and out, and staying alert as conditions change.

If you’re not sure where to start, begin with the areas that research shows matter most:

• Vents and openings
• Near-home debris
• Interior airflow and maintenance

WDM is committed to helping homeowners understand wildfire risk and strengthen their homes using science-backed solutions. Explore our resources to learn how specially-engineered ember-resistant mesh and smart home-hardening strategies can help close common ignition gaps.

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