What is the wildfire risk in zip code 81494?

Zip code 81494 (Montrose Area, CO) has a WildfireRiskScore of 8.6 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 81494?

In the last 20 years, there have been 24 recorded wildfires within 25 miles of 81494, burning approximately 52K acres. Within 10 miles, 8 fires have occurred. The most recent fire was recorded in 2008.

Will homeowners insurance be affected by wildfire risk in 81494?

Yes — zip code 81494 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 78% higher than average.

Wildfire Risk in Zip Code 81494

Montrose Area, Colorado

🔴 VERY HIGH RISK 8.6/10

24 Fires within 25mi (20yr)

52K Acres Burned (25mi)

2008 Last Fire Year

Historical Fires Near 81494 (Last 20 Years)

Radius	Fire Count	Acres Burned
Within 10 miles	8	13,590
Within 25 miles	24	52,004
Within 50 miles	24	—

Most recent fire recorded within 25 miles: 2008

USFS Fireshed Classification

Fireshed Region Rocky Mountain

Nearest National Forest / Fireshed Front Range

WildfireRiskScore 8.6 / 10

Insurance Impact for 81494

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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 81494. 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: +78%

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 81494 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 Montrose Area

81401 Montrose Area, CO 🟠 HIGH Score: 7.5/10 81404 Montrose Area, CO 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.8/10 81407 Montrose Area, CO 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.6/10 81410 Montrose Area, CO 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.7/10 81413 Montrose Area, CO 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 9.5/10

Protect Your Home in 81494

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

Compare Wildfire Insurance for 81494