What is the wildfire risk in zip code 59840?

Zip code 59840 (Missoula Area, MT) has a WildfireRiskScore of 8.3 out of 10, classified as VERY HIGH risk. This is based on USFS Fireshed Registry data, historical fire occurrence, and wildland-urban interface factors.

How many wildfires have occurred near 59840?

In the last 20 years, there have been 23 recorded wildfires within 25 miles of 59840, burning approximately 22K acres. Within 10 miles, 2 fires have occurred. The most recent fire was recorded in 2016.

Will homeowners insurance be affected by wildfire risk in 59840?

Yes — zip code 59840 is in a high-risk zone where some insurers have limited or non-renewed coverage. Homeowners may need to seek California FAIR Plan or specialty wildfire insurers. Premiums are estimated 69% higher than average.

Wildfire Risk in Zip Code 59840

Missoula Area, Montana

🔴 VERY HIGH RISK 8.3/10

23 Fires within 25mi (20yr)

22K Acres Burned (25mi)

2016 Last Fire Year

Historical Fires Near 59840 (Last 20 Years)

Radius	Fire Count	Acres Burned
Within 10 miles	2	7,346
Within 25 miles	23	21,711
Within 50 miles	67	—

Most recent fire recorded within 25 miles: 2016

USFS Fireshed Classification

Fireshed Region Northern Rockies

Nearest National Forest / Fireshed Flathead/Bitterroot

WildfireRiskScore 8.3 / 10

Insurance Impact for 59840

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Coverage May Be Limited

This zip code is in a high wildfire risk zone. Several major insurers have stopped writing new policies or non-renewed existing policies in areas like 59840. Homeowners may need to seek California FAIR Plan, Surplus Lines, or specialty wildfire insurers such as Hippo or Openly.

Estimated wildfire-driven premium increase vs. low-risk areas: +69%

Wildfire Insurance Options

Hippo Insurance Wildfire-specific coverage programs Openly High-value wildfire coverage PolicyGenius Compare multiple wildfire insurers

Defensible Space Recommendations for VERY HIGH Risk

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Zone 1 (0–30 ft)

Remove dead vegetation, create ember-resistant zone around home. Clear gutters and roof of debris regularly.

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Zone 2 (30–100 ft)

Space trees 10 ft apart crown-to-crown. Remove ladder fuels (low branches). Mow grass to 4 inches or less.

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Home Hardening

Use ember-resistant vents, Class A roof materials, multi-pane windows. Enclose eaves and soffits.

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Evacuation Plan

Know your evacuation zone and two exit routes. Sign up for local emergency alerts. Keep gas tank above half.

How the WildfireRiskScore Is Calculated

The WildfireRiskScore (0–10) for zip code 59840 is a composite of three factors:

USFS Fireshed classification (0–4 points): Based on the USFS Fireshed Registry, which categorizes all US land by wildfire risk using fuel loads, weather patterns, and ignition probability.
Historical fire density (0–3 points): Weighted count of recorded wildfires within 25 miles over the past 20 years from the USFS Fire Occurrence Database.
Terrain and WUI factors (0–3 points): Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) proximity, elevation, aspect, and slope — areas at the edge of undeveloped wildland are at highest risk.

Nearby Zip Codes in Missoula Area

59801 Missoula Area, MT 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.8/10 59804 Missoula Area, MT 🟠 HIGH Score: 6.8/10 59807 Missoula Area, MT 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.8/10 59810 Missoula Area, MT 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.9/10 59813 Missoula Area, MT 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 9.3/10

Protect Your Home in 59840

Get quotes from wildfire-specialized insurers and compare coverage options.

Compare Wildfire Insurance for 59840