What is the wildfire risk in zip code 98449?

Zip code 98449 (Tacoma, WA) has a WildfireRiskScore of 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 98449?

In the last 20 years, there have been 16 recorded wildfires within 25 miles of 98449, burning approximately 54K acres. Within 10 miles, 9 fires have occurred. The most recent fire was recorded in 2020.

Will homeowners insurance be affected by wildfire risk in 98449?

Yes — zip code 98449 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 65% higher than average.

Wildfire Risk in Zip Code 98449

Tacoma, Washington

🟠 HIGH RISK 7/10

16 Fires within 25mi (20yr)

54K Acres Burned (25mi)

2020 Last Fire Year

Historical Fires Near 98449 (Last 20 Years)

Radius	Fire Count	Acres Burned
Within 10 miles	9	33,088
Within 25 miles	16	54,328
Within 50 miles	28	—

Most recent fire recorded within 25 miles: 2020

USFS Fireshed Classification

Fireshed Region Pacific Northwest

Nearest National Forest / Fireshed Okanogan-Wenatchee

WildfireRiskScore 7 / 10

Insurance Impact for 98449

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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 98449. 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: +65%

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 98449 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 98449

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

Compare Wildfire Insurance for 98449