Wildfire Risk by Zip Code

About This Data

Wildfire risk scores are computed using the USFS Fireshed Registry, a national database of wildfire risk classifications at the census-block level maintained by the US Forest Service. Each fireshed represents a watershed management unit with a consistent risk classification.

Historical fire data comes from the USFS Fire Occurrence Database, which records all wildfires ≥ 1 acre over the past two decades. Risk scores also incorporate terrain and wildland-urban interface (WUI) factors — areas where homes meet undeveloped wildland are at highest risk.

For California zip codes, we additionally include CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) classifications, which are used by insurers and local governments to set fire safety requirements.