
The growing severity, frequency, and reach of wildfires in the United States make it increasingly critical for insurers and reinsurers to track this peril diligently. The Eaton and Palisades fires that struck Los Angeles County in January 2025 were a stark reminder of this reality.
Actionable analysis
Verisk continually analyzes state-specific wildfire risk, including historical trends, current exposures, and historical data for high-risk regions. The resulting data in Verisk's Wildfire Risk Report 2025 can help insurance carriers, policymakers, and community leaders better protect lives, property, and the environment.
Flagging vulnerabilities
This analysis breaks down risk levels to help stakeholders identify vulnerable areas and prioritize mitigation efforts. Understanding factors that contribute to wildfire risk can drive:
- More informed underwriting and pricing decisions for insurers
- More effective government regulations and policies to reduce wildfire vulnerability
- Actionable strategies for community leaders to protect their residents and infrastructure
The report also thoroughly examines the Eaton and Palisades fires, highlighting the importance of understanding Special Hazard Zones identified by Verisk's FireLine® tool. In these zones, high structure density and proximity to wildlands raise the risk of a structure experiencing damage from or being destroyed by an urban conflagration.
Comprehending the cost
The report also emphasizes the growing financial exposure related to wildfires, which Verisk's data and analysis can help quantify, including the heavy burden of reconstruction costs. Comprehensive analysis of state-specific wildfire risk is vital to understanding and addressing this issue. With detailed insights into historical trends, current exposures, and future projections, this report can support informed decisions and proactive steps toward mitigating wildfire destruction.