How to Prepare for Fire Season: A Regional Guide for Idaho and Washington Homeowners

Summer is here, and so is fire season. How Do I Prepare My Home For Wildfire Season? Whether you live in the foothills of Boise, the dense forests of McCall, or near the dry plains of Post Falls, preparing your home can make a major difference in keeping your family and property safe.

As fire season approaches, homeowners throughout Idaho and eastern Washington are rightfully asking important questions like:

“How can I protect my home from wildfires?”

“When does fire season start in Idaho?”

“What are the top fire prevention tips for homeowners?”

“Should I create a defensible space?”

We’re here to help answer these and more, so you can safeguard your home, family, and property.

When is Fire Season in Idaho and Washington?

Boise, Fruitland, and the Treasure Valley region:
Fire season typically begins in late June to early July, with dry winds and high temps extending the risk well into October.

McCall, Donnelly, Clarkston, and mountain regions:
While cooler in elevation, the threat peaks in July through September, especially during droughts or heat waves.

Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Spokane area:
Fire season often starts a little earlier, around mid-June, and continues through late September, especially in areas near forested or grassy land.

Top Fire Prevention Tips for Homeowners

1. Create a Defensible Space
What is defensible space?
It’s a buffer zone between your home and flammable vegetation that helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire. Clear 30–100 feet of dead brush, dry grass, and tree limbs from around your home.

2. Clean Gutters and Roofs
Debris like pine needles, leaves, and twigs are highly flammable. Clear them out regularly—especially before fire season.

3. Store Firewood and Flammables Safely
Keep firewood, propane tanks, and gas cans at least 30 feet away from structures.

4. Install Ember-Resistant Vents and Screens
Flying embers cause up to 90% of homes lost to wildfires. Upgrade vents and cover openings with 1/8-inch metal mesh.

5. Know Your Evacuation Plan
Do you know where to go if you need to leave quickly? Pack a go-bag, plan multiple routes, and keep your vehicle fueled and ready.

Homeowner FAQs

How do I fireproof my home?
Start with non-combustible roofing, fiber-cement siding, dual-pane windows, and cleared defensible space. Consider fire-resistant landscaping and use gravel instead of mulch near the foundation.

What are the best landscaping tips for fire safety?
Choose low-resin, drought-tolerant plants like lilac, dogwood, and Oregon grape. Space trees apart and prune low-hanging branches.

Should I have a backup generator during fire season?
Yes, especially in rural areas prone to power outages during wildfires. Generators can keep your fridge, lights, and communication tools working.

Aftermath & Recovery

What should I do after a wildfire damages my home?
How do I deal with smoke damage in my house?
Who do I call if my home has fire damage?
Does homeowners insurance cover fire restoration?
What is contents restoration after a fire?
How long does fire damage restoration take?

Disaster can strike fast, and knowing who to call makes all the difference.

At Disaster Response, we’re a CORE Elite Member, certified and equipped to respond 24/7. We work directly with all major insurance carriers, helping homeowners manage everything from:

Board-up services
Contents cleaning & restoration
Complete rebuilds and remodels

We serve homes and businesses across Boise, Fruitland, McCall, Clarkston, Post Falls, and Spokane.