What is the wildfire risk in zip code 98428?

Zip code 98428 (Tacoma, WA) has a WildfireRiskScore of 6.7 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 98428?

In the last 20 years, there have been 11 recorded wildfires within 25 miles of 98428, burning approximately 22K acres. Within 10 miles, 5 fires have occurred. The most recent fire was recorded in 2006.

Will homeowners insurance be affected by wildfire risk in 98428?

Standard homeowners insurance is generally available in 98428. Wildfire risk may increase premiums by an estimated 68% compared to low-risk areas.

Wildfire Risk in Zip Code 98428

Tacoma, Washington

🟠 HIGH RISK 6.7/10

11 Fires within 25mi (20yr)

22K Acres Burned (25mi)

2006 Last Fire Year

Historical Fires Near 98428 (Last 20 Years)

Radius	Fire Count	Acres Burned
Within 10 miles	5	18,989
Within 25 miles	11	22,096
Within 50 miles	49	—

Most recent fire recorded within 25 miles: 2006

USFS Fireshed Classification

Fireshed Region Pacific Northwest

Nearest National Forest / Fireshed Okanogan-Wenatchee

WildfireRiskScore 6.7 / 10

Insurance Impact for 98428

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Standard Coverage Available

Standard homeowners insurance is generally available in 98428. Wildfire risk factors may affect premiums and specific wildfire coverage terms.

Estimated wildfire-driven premium increase vs. low-risk areas: +68%

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 98428 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 Tacoma

98401 Tacoma, WA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8.3/10 98404 Tacoma, WA 🟠 HIGH Score: 7.8/10 98407 Tacoma, WA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8/10 98410 Tacoma, WA 🟠 HIGH Score: 7.5/10 98413 Tacoma, WA 🔴 VERY HIGH Score: 8/10

Protect Your Home in 98428

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

Compare Wildfire Insurance for 98428