May is Wildfire Awareness Month — Take Steps Today to Protect Your Home and Property

Contact: Julie Robinson, 208-334-4312
[email protected]

BOISE, ID (May 26, 2026) - Gov. Brad Little has declared May as Wildfire Awareness Month in Idaho, underscoring the importance of preparing homes, families, and communities as we head into the hot summer months. With wildfire activity continuing to increase in frequency and intensity across the West, the Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) and the Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office urge Idahoans to use this time as a reminder to prepare their homes, review their insurance coverage, and take meaningful steps to reduce wildfire risk before peak summer fire conditions set in.

"Wildfires can ignite and spread quickly, leaving little time to react," said Director Dean L. Cameron. "Preparation is the key to protecting your home and your financial well-being. Taking simple steps now - and reviewing your insurance coverage before a fire starts - can make all the difference during wildfire season."

Prepare Your Home: Hardening Tips from the Department of Insurance
The DOI has developed a one-page guide with practical steps homeowners can take to "harden" their homes against wildfire. These actions can significantly lower the chances of ignition during a wildfire event. Tips include:

• Creating and maintaining defensible space around your home
• Clearing gutters, roofs, and decks of leaves and debris
• Installing ember-resistant vents and screening openings
• Using fire-resistant materials for roofing, siding, and fencing
• Keeping vegetation trimmed and removing dead brush near structures

Small improvements made today can make a big difference when wildfire embers begin to blow.

Review Your Insurance Coverage Before Fire Season
The DOI encourages homeowners and renters to review their insurance policies with their agents to ensure:

• Whether your policy has adequate coverage
• If your coverage limits reflect today's construction and replacement costs
• Whether you have an up-to-date home inventory
• If you are aware of your deductible, exclusions, and any special requirements

Wildfire losses can be devastating, having the right coverage in place before a fire starts is essential.

Stay Informed and Be Ready
Wildfire Awareness Month is the perfect time to learn more about wildfire risk and prevention. Idahoans can find additional fire-prevention resources through the National Interagency Fire Center at nifc.gov.

For insurance questions or help understanding your policy, contact the Idaho Department of Insurance at doi.idaho.gov or call our Consumer Affairs team at 1-800-721-3272.

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About the Department of Insurance

The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to serve and protect Idahoans by equitably, effectively and efficiently administering the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, please visit us at doi.idaho.gov or email us at [email protected].

About the Idaho State Fire Marshal

The State Fire Marshal's Office participates in and coordinates an integrated statewide system designed to protect human life from fire and explosions through fire prevention, investigation and public education activities. The program involves fire prevention activities, fire/arson investigation, code enforcement and the operation of the National Fire Incident Reporting System. The State Fire Marshal's Office provides assistance to local fire agencies throughout the state.

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