What is the wildfire risk in zip code 91401?

Zip code 91401 (Van Nuys, CA) has a WildfireRiskScore of 9.9 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 91401?

In the last 20 years, there have been 34 recorded wildfires within 25 miles of 91401, burning approximately 119K acres. Within 10 miles, 13 fires have occurred. The most recent fire was recorded in 2012.

Will homeowners insurance be affected by wildfire risk in 91401?

Yes — zip code 91401 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 88% higher than average.

Wildfire Risk in Zip Code 91401

Van Nuys, California

🔴 VERY HIGH RISK 9.9/10

34 Fires within 25mi (20yr)

119K Acres Burned (25mi)

2012 Last Fire Year

Historical Fires Near 91401 (Last 20 Years)

Radius	Fire Count	Acres Burned
Within 10 miles	13	46,688
Within 25 miles	34	119,103
Within 50 miles	74	—

Most recent fire recorded within 25 miles: 2012

USFS Fireshed Classification

Fireshed Region Pacific Southwest

Nearest National Forest / Fireshed CALFIRE Zone

WildfireRiskScore 9.9 / 10

CalFire FHSZ Zone Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ)

Insurance Impact for 91401

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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 91401. 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: +88%

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 91401 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.

For California zip codes, the CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) designation is also shown. The FHSZ is used by California state law to regulate building codes and insurance requirements.

Nearby Zip Codes in Van Nuys

91404 Van Nuys, CA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 9.3/10 91407 Van Nuys, CA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 9.2/10 91410 Van Nuys, CA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.7/10 91413 Van Nuys, CA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.3/10 91416 Van Nuys, CA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.2/10

Protect Your Home in 91401

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

Compare Wildfire Insurance for 91401