Wildfires in the US

As of December 15, 2023 the US has seen 54,273 wildfires burn 2,627,112 acres – well below previous years’ numbers, including 2021 and 2022 when over 7 million acres burned each year. In fact, you need to go back to 1998 to find a year with fewer than 2 million acres burned by wildfires in the US.

That doesn’t change the fact that wildfires are dangerous and destructive events. One congressional report found that wildfires cause up to $147.5 billion in property damage each year.

Which states have the most wildfires? 

California almost always tops the list of states with the most wildfires, and it's a good example of how some states face greater risk because of their climate. The state’s dry climate coupled with regional winds increase its wildfire risk.

Top 10 states with the most wildfires

Top 10 states for acres burned

What causes wildfires?

Without a doubt, many wildfires in the US are caused by natural events. Lightning strikes are a good example, as is volcanic activity. Some fires may even be caused by intense heat from the sun. But most wildfires in the US are caused by humans. Unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and downed power lines have all resulted in devastating wildfires.

Long-term conditions like multi-year droughts coupled with detrimental land management practices can leave behind dried vegetation and tinder. These provide fuel for fast-spreading, far-reaching wildfires.

Some experts also say that climate change is having environmental impacts that affect the timing, severity, and length of wildfire season. Things like temperature changes, precipitation (or lack thereof), short-term weather conditions (wind, lightning) can increase the likelihood of a fire igniting and spreading.

Are we seeing more wildfires in recent years?

The National Interagency Fire Center indicates that an average of around 70,000 wildfires have burned each year since 1983, but no obvious upward trend can be seen during that time. 

Nonetheless, the amount of land burned by wildfires each year seems to have increased since the 1980s. While there has not been an increase every year, the overall trend is for more damaging and widespread wildfires, even if the number of fires isn’t going up on a regular basis, as demonstrated by: 

• The 10 years with the largest acreage burned have all occurred since 2004, with a peak in 2015. 

• This period also saw some of the warmest years on record in the U.S.

• The amount of that land that has experienced severe damage has ranged from 5% to 23% of the total land area burned each year from 1984 to 2020.

Experts can’t point to definitive trends for wildfires, but the general consensus appears to be that wildfire damage is becoming more widespread and severe, even if the number of actual fires remains relatively stable over time. 

Does home insurance cover wildfires? 

While not every wildfire loss is covered, you can protect your own home with the right homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance covers fire damage in many cases and can help you recover after a fire-related catastrophe.

Understanding how your home insurance policy covers wildfires should be a top priority. In some more wildfire-prone states, insurance companies may significantly raise rates or deny coverage to a home if it has an elevated wildfire risk. Even worse? Some insurers have pulled out of wildfire areas altogether.

It is understood that some insurance companies have limited their coverage options in fire-prone states. All of our policies have wildfire coverage, even in states like Arizona and Florida where the risk is significant.

Another option is to check out policies offered through your state’s FAIR insurance program. These programs typically offer limited, risk-specific coverage for those unable to find it elsewhere.

One more important point: Home hardening and fire prevention are just as important as getting the right home insurance policy. Learn more about preparing for wildfires in your area to keep your home and family safe.