Practical Steps to Reduce Wildfire Risk Around Your Home

Wildfires are a reality in Montana. Dry summers, wind, and forests put many Western Montana homes at risk each year. While you can't remove the risk completely, you can take practical steps to protect your property.

Wildfire professionals across Montana recommend many of these steps. Small improvements around a home can make a meaningful difference if fire threatens.

Here are some ideas Montana homeowners can implement.

Start With the Area Closest to Your Home

Fire experts call the first 0–5 feet around a structure the “Immediate Zone.” Simple changes here can reduce the risk of embers igniting nearby materials.

Common suggestions include:

• Clearing leaves and pine needles from gutters and rooflines
• Keeping mulch, firewood, and other combustible materials away from the home’s exterior walls
• Removing debris from decks and patios
• Using non-combustible landscaping materials like rock or gravel near the foundation

These changes may seem small, but wind-driven embers are a leading cause of home ignition during wildfires.

Maintain Vegetation Around the Property

Next, look at the area 5 to 30 feet from your home, known as the “intermediate zone.”

In this zone, aim to thin out thick vegetation and create space between plants and trees.

Some examples:

• Trim tree branches so they are several feet away from roofs and chimneys
• Space shrubs and small trees to prevent fire from easily spreading between them
• Remove dead vegetation or fallen branches.
• Keep grass trimmed during the summer months.

Wildfire mitigation specialists across Montana often recommend these landscaping practices.

Manage Trees and Fuels Farther From the Home

Beyond 30 feet from your home, focus on managing bigger plants and cutting down on things that could fuel a fire.

Property owners may consider:

• Thinning dense stands of trees
• Removing dead trees or brush piles
• Creating spacing between tree canopies where possible
• Maintaining access routes for emergency vehicles

These actions can help slow fire spread across the landscape.

Keep Roofs, Vents, and Gutters in Good Condition

Many wildfire-related home losses happen when embers land on vulnerable parts of the house.

Maintenance steps that may help reduce risk include:

• Cleaning gutters regularly during fire season
• Installing ember-resistant vents when replacing older ones
• Repairing damaged roofing materials
• Screening attic or crawl space vents

While these updates don’t guarantee protection, they can make a home more resistant to ignition.

Consider a Free Wildfire Risk Assessment

Montana homeowners can request a free Home Wildfire Risk Assessment through the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). A local fire professional will visit the property and offer suggestions specific to the home and surrounding landscape.

You can request an assessment here.

During the visit, they typically evaluate factors such as vegetation, firefighter access, and the home’s proximity to surrounding fuels.

Additional Wildfire Resources for Montana Residents

For more on wildfire preparedness, try these Montana resources:

• Montana DNRC Wildfire Preparedness 
• MT Fire Info
• Firewise USA Program – Offers community-based wildfire mitigation strategies.

These organizations provide guidance used by fire professionals throughout the state.

Questions about Coverage?

If you have questions about homeowners coverage in Missoula, including how carriers may consider your wildfire risk, connect with our team.