Heat wave raises wildfire risk ahead of July Fourth celebrations

As the current heat dome shatters record temperatures in many western states, drought conditions are becoming worse, increasing the risk of wildfires in many areas.

Multiple western states are now experiencing exceptional drought conditions, the highest level of drought designated by the National Drought Mitigation Center, and residents across the country — particularly in wildfire-prone states — are urged to be extra cautious with the use of fireworks this Fourth of July.

This year, there are already several active large fires in Western states, and with the oppressive heat and dry conditions, sparks from fireworks may only compound conditions for wildfires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in a typical year, Independence Day fireworks account for two out of five of all reported U.S. fires, more than any other cause of fire. Engaging in fire safety, taking time to prevent and mitigate damage, and becoming financially prepared by conducting an insurance checkup are critical this time of year.

It is important that people follow state laws and take extra precautions to avoid causing preventable fires. One ember from a campfire or firework can travel and ignite a fire a mile away, potentially devastating homes and communities nearby.

The NFPA reports that on average, each year, fireworks start 18,500 fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. Independence Day and July 5 can be among the most fire-prone days of the year.

Let the Fourth be a reminder to not only prevent wildfires but also prepare homes and family finances for catastrophes.

Taking simple steps like preparing a home inventory, updating insurance, and clearing debris around the home can make a difference if a wildfire breaks out. Across the country, insurers are ready to assist homeowners and renters should a loss occur.

Tips for insureds on how to prepare finances during wildfire season: 

• Read and understand your insurance policy. The typical homeowners’ policy covers damage caused by wind, fire, and lightning. Comprehensive coverage under the auto insurance policy generally covers damage or destruction to a vehicle from a fire.
• Review your insurance policy regularly with an insurance company or agent. Prevent underinsurance by having inflation guard coverage, extended replacement cost coverage, and building code upgrade coverage. Also, consider increasing additional living expense coverage.
• If you have recently remodeled added a new addition onto your property, be sure to increase the amount of protection to cover the upgraded materials or expanded square footage.
• Talk about types of insurance policies and learn the difference between a replacement cost policy, which generally provides for the repair or replacement of damaged covered personal property items, and an actual cash value policy that will only provide reimbursement for the depreciated value of the covered personal property item. Make sure your policy reflects the right amount of square footage and features.
• Create and keep an inventory of personal items and photograph or videotape them for documentation and claims purposes. Be specific: document how many TVs, computers, sets of towels and sheets, and other items you have. The more details recorded, the easier recovery will be. Keep receipts for major purchases and keep records of the age, current value, make, model, and serial number of personal property. Keep inventory and a copy of your insurance policy at another location.

Tips on how to prepare and protect property:

• Create 100 feet of defensible space around the home by clearing dead brush, grass, and shrubs. Defensible space can slow the spread of a fire and help keep firefighters safe.
• Clean out leaves, pine needles, and dirt that may have collected in rain gutters or on roofs.
• Cut back tree branches that hang over the house or near the chimney and create six feet of clearance between the ground and tree branches.
• Consider landscaping with fire-resistant trees and shrubs, such as deciduous trees and low-growing shrubs.
• Remove any wood piles or wooden playhouses against homes or structures.
• Keep operational fire extinguishers in kitchens.
• Install new batteries in fire and smoke alarms.
• Comply with building codes and use fire-resistant materials.
• Create a family plan and hold family evacuation drills. Make sure your family knows what actions to take if a fire breaks out. Include plans for pets.
• Identify family valuables and treasures you can gather in a short time span.

Fire prevention tips:

• Don’t toss burning cigarettes out into dry brush areas or out of a car.
• Don’t light fireworks near dry brush; keep buckets of water nearby.
• Supervise children closely near fireworks displays.
• Be sure campfires are completely put out and doused with water and cannot relight.
• Be careful with controlled burns; severe weather can cause a normal burn to become out of control.
• Be cautious with mowing equipment on dry brush — one spark can ignite a wildfire.

Visit www.readyforwildfire.org to learn more about how to prepare finances and property for wildfires.

Karen Collins is assistant vice president at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions — protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.

This piece was originally published by the APCIA and is republished here with permission. 

Related: 

• Historic drought slams the U.S. West as wildfire season looms
• Essential fireworks safety and insurance information
• By the numbers: Common summer safety hazards