What is the wildfire risk in zip code 98161?

Zip code 98161 (Seattle, WA) has a WildfireRiskScore of 6.8 out of 10, classified as HIGH risk. This is based on USFS Fireshed Registry data, historical fire occurrence, and wildland-urban interface factors.

How many wildfires have occurred near 98161?

In the last 20 years, there have been 33 recorded wildfires within 25 miles of 98161, burning approximately 40K acres. Within 10 miles, 12 fires have occurred. The most recent fire was recorded in 2006.

Will homeowners insurance be affected by wildfire risk in 98161?

Standard homeowners insurance is generally available in 98161. Wildfire risk may increase premiums by an estimated 61% compared to low-risk areas.

Wildfire Risk in Zip Code 98161

Seattle, Washington

🟠 HIGH RISK 6.8/10

33 Fires within 25mi (20yr)

40K Acres Burned (25mi)

2006 Last Fire Year

Historical Fires Near 98161 (Last 20 Years)

Radius	Fire Count	Acres Burned
Within 10 miles	12	26,835
Within 25 miles	33	39,557
Within 50 miles	33	—

Most recent fire recorded within 25 miles: 2006

USFS Fireshed Classification

Fireshed Region Pacific Northwest

Nearest National Forest / Fireshed Okanogan-Wenatchee

WildfireRiskScore 6.8 / 10

Insurance Impact for 98161

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Standard Coverage Available

Standard homeowners insurance is generally available in 98161. Wildfire risk factors may affect premiums and specific wildfire coverage terms.

Estimated wildfire-driven premium increase vs. low-risk areas: +61%

Wildfire Insurance Options

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

Defensible Space Recommendations for 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 98161 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 Seattle

98101 Seattle, WA 🟠 HIGH Score: 7.2/10 98104 Seattle, WA 🟠 HIGH Score: 6.4/10 98107 Seattle, WA 🟠 HIGH Score: 7.3/10 98110 Seattle, WA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.5/10 98113 Seattle, WA 🟠 HIGH Score: 7.8/10

Protect Your Home in 98161

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

Compare Wildfire Insurance for 98161