Spokane, Wash. – The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) released a detailed analysis of how fire spreads through neighborhoods, focusing on the recent Old Trails Fire. The study underscores that homes built too close together increase the risk of rapid fire propagation.
Key Findings on Home Proximity
IBHS found that 58% of structures affected by the California Eaton and Palisades Fires had a neighboring building within 10 feet. In Spokane, that figure was considerably lower at 13.8%, suggesting that wider spacing can make a meaningful difference. The institute stresses that fire‑resilient building materials are far more effective when homes sit farther apart.
Fences and Fuel Sources
The report also examined continuous fuel sources such as fences. Wood fences were identified as the most common material in the Old Trails Fire path, acting like a connective fuel bridge between properties. Vinyl fences, while prone to melting, can still ignite and cause localized damage.
Wind, Embers, and Vulnerable Areas
Wind direction on August 1 played a pivotal role, carrying embers that ignited window wells and raised decks with open spaces underneath. These findings highlight the importance of defensible space not only around the perimeter of a home but also beneath over‑hangs and deck structures.
Wildfire‑Resilient Rebuild Pilot
The IBHS study references the “Old Trails Fire Wildfire‑Resilient Rebuild Pilot,” a collaborative effort involving Washington’s Department of Natural Resources, the City of Spokane, and IBHS. The pilot’s stated initiatives include:
- Identifying potential modifications to applicable building codes before reconstruction proceeds.
- Suggesting voluntary mitigation measures for existing homes within and around the fire‑affected area.
- Evaluating how lessons from the pilot can inform state‑wide action.
- Assessing financial tools that could support resilient reconstruction and mitigation improvements.
These steps aim to embed fire‑resistant design into future construction while offering practical upgrades for current homeowners.
Federal Assistance Pending
The State of Washington and the City of Spokane are still awaiting a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump. Such a declaration would unlock additional federal resources to aid homeowners in rebuilding and to fund the pilot’s recommended mitigation measures.
Practical Resources for Residents
IBHS promotes its “Wildfire Prepared” program, which can serve as an insurance incentive for homeowners who create and maintain defensible space around their properties. The program encourages removal of excess vegetation, proper fence material selection, and adherence to recommended building‑code updates.
As Spokane continues to recover, the IBHS findings provide a clear roadmap for reducing future wildfire risk through smarter land‑use planning, improved building practices, and coordinated federal‑state‑local action.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
