If you own a home in Washington, especially east of the Cascades, you've probably noticed two things: wildfire seasons are getting more intense, and your homeowners insurance premiums are climbing. These aren't coincidences. In 2024 alone, Washington experienced over 1,800 wildfire incidents that burned more than 275,000 acres. And here's the kicker: roughly 70% of those fires happened in Eastern Washington, where drier climates and grasslands create the perfect storm for wildfire risk.
The good news? Your standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers wildfire damage. The challenging news? Insurers are getting pickier about who they'll cover and at what price. If you live in Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, or other Eastern Washington communities, understanding how wildfire insurance works—and what gaps might exist in your coverage—isn't just smart. It's essential.
Why Eastern Washington Faces Higher Wildfire Risk
Geography matters when it comes to wildfire insurance. East of the Cascades, you'll find a mix of farmland, desert, and grasslands with significantly less rainfall than the west side. This drier climate creates conditions where fires ignite more easily and spread faster. In 2024, snowpack levels across Washington and the northern Rockies were below average, ranging from just 60-90% of normal levels. Less snow means drier soil, and drier soil means higher fire risk.
But it's not just nature at work. About 85% of Washington wildfires are started by humans—from discarded cigarettes to equipment sparks to power lines. As more people move into previously rural areas, the wildland-urban interface expands, putting more homes directly in harm's way. Predictions for recent fire seasons have consistently shown above-normal fire potential for Washington, with temperatures climbing above normal and precipitation falling below normal due to climate patterns.
What Your Homeowners Insurance Actually Covers
Here's what most people don't realize: standard homeowners insurance policies cover wildfire damage under the basic fire peril. If a wildfire destroys your home, your policy should cover the dwelling itself, your personal belongings, and additional living expenses if you need to live elsewhere during repairs. That's the baseline.
But coverage limits matter enormously. If your home is insured for $300,000 but it would cost $400,000 to rebuild with current construction costs, you're facing a $100,000 gap. That's why insurance experts recommend reviewing your dwelling coverage annually, especially in markets where construction costs are rising. Your personal property coverage typically runs at 50-70% of your dwelling coverage, but high-value items like jewelry, art, or collectibles often have sub-limits that require separate riders.
Additional living expenses—also called loss of use coverage—pays for hotel bills, restaurant meals, and other costs if you're displaced from your home. This coverage typically maxes out at 20-30% of your dwelling coverage and usually has time limits, often 12-24 months. After a major wildfire affecting an entire community, that timeline can feel awfully tight when contractors are backlogged and building materials are scarce.
The Coverage Crisis Hitting Washington Homeowners
Washington homeowners are feeling the squeeze. Insurance rates jumped 16% in 2023 and another 12% in 2024. If you renewed your policy in the past year, you likely saw a 21% increase. Wildfire risk is one of the primary culprits behind these climbing premiums. Insurers use sophisticated modeling that predicts the number of homes at risk for wildfire damage in Washington will grow by almost 30% by 2053.
Some carriers are now applying fireline scoring in Eastern Washington communities like Spokane, Wenatchee, and Yakima. If your home falls within a certain distance of wildland areas or lacks adequate access for fire trucks, you might face coverage limitations or higher premiums. In extreme cases, insurers are choosing not to renew policies at all. The number of homeowners forced onto Washington's FAIR Plan—the state's last-resort insurance program—has jumped more than 200% in the last five years.
The FAIR Plan provides essential coverage when no other options exist, but it comes with trade-offs. Premiums are typically higher than standard market rates, coverage limits may not fully match your home's value, and you might find yourself piecing together multiple policies to get comprehensive protection. It's not ideal, but it's better than going uninsured.
Protecting Your Home and Improving Your Insurability
Creating defensible space around your home isn't just about reducing fire risk—it can also influence your ability to obtain and afford insurance. Defensible space means clearing vegetation, removing dead trees and brush, and maintaining a buffer zone between your home and potential fuel sources. Some insurers offer discounted rates for properties located in Firewise Communities, designated neighborhoods that meet specific wildfire mitigation standards.
Fire-resistant building materials make a real difference. Consider Class A fire-rated roofing materials, tempered glass windows, and non-combustible siding. Vents are a sneaky vulnerability—embers can enter through attic or foundation vents and ignite fires from the inside. Installing ember-resistant vents costs a few hundred dollars but can prevent catastrophic damage. That said, be realistic: some insurers have indicated that mitigation improvements are unlikely to change coverage decisions in the highest-risk areas.
Documentation is your friend. Take photos and videos of your home's exterior and interior, including belongings. Store these files in the cloud where they'll be safe if your home isn't. Create a home inventory with receipts for major purchases. If you've made fire-resistant improvements, document those too with photos and contractor invoices. This evidence becomes invaluable if you ever need to file a claim.
How to Get Started and Protect Yourself
First, review your current homeowners insurance policy. Check your dwelling coverage amount, personal property limits, and additional living expense provisions. If you're not sure whether your coverage is adequate, talk to your insurance agent or get a quote from another carrier for comparison. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner provides resources specifically about wildfires and homeowner insurance to help residents understand their options.
If you're shopping for insurance or facing non-renewal, get quotes from multiple carriers. Wildfire risk assessment varies between companies, and you might find significantly different rates or coverage terms. Don't wait until your current policy expires to start shopping—give yourself at least 60 days to explore options.
Consider bundling policies with the same carrier. Many insurers offer discounts if you combine your homeowners and auto insurance, and having an existing relationship might help if you ever face coverage challenges. Ask specifically about discounts for fire-resistant improvements, monitored alarm systems, or proximity to fire stations.
Wildfire insurance in Washington isn't getting any simpler, but staying informed and proactive puts you in the best position possible. Whether you're facing your first wildfire season as a homeowner or you've watched the smoke roll in for decades, understanding your coverage and taking steps to protect your property can make all the difference when it matters most. Start by reviewing your policy today, and don't hesitate to ask questions—your insurance agent should be able to explain exactly what you're covered for and where gaps might exist.
