Insurance
Rules that make insurers count mitigation, and the certification many of them recognize.
CertificationOpenReady to proceed
Wildfire Prepared Home
Nationwide. Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
A certification from the insurance industry’s research institute that a house meets its wildfire standard. An evaluator visits and documents the work, and many insurers in the states where it’s offered recognize it.
Discounts vary by insurer and state and aren’t guaranteed. A designation lasts 3 years, with a yearly photo review to keep it active.
Ready to proceed. It applies to insurers in your state. Keep the record of the work.
- Work it may recognize
- Vents, gutters and gutter guards, and the first 5 ft around the house
- You’ll need
- A fee and a yearly review
Details and how to use it
- Details
- Essential, the ember level, also asks for a Class A roof and 6 in of noncombustible wall base. Enhanced adds gutter guards, enclosed eaves, tempered windows, and noncombustible siding and decks. Garage doors aren’t named.
- How
- Do the work with the How-To Prepare checklist, then apply online with photos of every side of the house and the 0 to 5 ft zone. An evaluator visits; if something falls short, you have 60 days to fix it and send photos.
- We prepare
- Certification checklist and Mitigation record
Free help
Assessments and services you don’t pay for.
Free assessmentIn effect
Boise Fire free home wildfire safety assessment
City of Boise designated wildland-urban interface. Boise Fire Department (Ada Fire Adapted)
Free assessments for Boise WUI residents that explain the property's wildfire risk and how to reduce hazards.
Free assessment.
- You’ll need
- A home in a mapped hazard zone
Details and how to use it
- Details
- Assessment contents are not itemized. Boise Fire guidance: at least 30 ft of defensible space and clear debris from roofs, gutters, decks, and yards.
- How
- Request an assessment through Ada Fire Adapted (adafireadapted.org), linked from Boise Fire’s page.
- We prepare
- Mitigation record
Free chippingIn effect
Boise WUI chipping program
City of Boise designated wildland-urban interface. Boise Fire Department (Ada Fire Adapted)
Helps Boise WUI neighborhoods dispose of branches and brush cleared for defensible space.
Chipping of cleared branches and brush.
- Covers
- The first 5 ft around the house
- You’ll need
- A home in a mapped hazard zone
Details and how to use it
- Details
- For vegetation cleared for defensible space; the page does not describe limits or a schedule.
- How
- Request chipping through Ada Fire Adapted (adafireadapted.org), linked from Boise Fire’s page.
Free assessmentIn effect
IDL Wildfire Home Protection Zone Evaluation
Idaho. Idaho Department of Lands
On request, IDL staff evaluate a WUI home with the homeowner present, rate its relative survivability, and give a self-help action plan for defensible space; the local fire department gets a copy.
On-site evaluation and action plan; the policy does not say whether there is a charge.
- You’ll need
- A home in a mapped hazard zone
Details and how to use it
- Details
- The policy does not list items; it evaluates general categories that affect fire behavior and defensible space. Not tied to any cost share.
- How
- Contact your local IDL fire office or the IDL Fire Prevention and Education Coordinator through the Fire Management page.
- We prepare
- Mitigation record
Neighborhood programOpen
Firewise USA
Nationwide. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
A neighborhood program. Residents form a small board, get a risk assessment, write an action plan, and log the work they do each year to stay recognized. Some state insurance rules and some insurers count a recognized neighborhood.
Details and how to use it
- Details
- Community work: clearing, chipping days, and education. Your own retrofit work counts toward the neighborhood’s yearly total.
- How
- Look up recognized sites near you, or start one with your neighbors through NFPA’s Firewise USA portal. Your state forestry agency usually helps with the assessment.
In progress in Idaho
No Idaho law or rule was found that requires insurers to consider wildfire mitigation, give discounts, or disclose wildfire risk scores. The Department of Insurance's May 21, 2025 fire season alert gives general preparation advice only.
General information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Rules and funding change, so open the official page before you apply or buy for a program.