Homesite has partnered with Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. (WDS) to provide wildfire mitigation and loss prevention services to help protect your home. This service is provided to you at no additional cost and is automatically included with your policy. During a wildfire, WDS dispatches NWCG qualified fire engines and crew, to perform mitigation work before the fire arrives, and returns to properties for protection from post‐fire damage or loss. WDS is not a first responder and their services are supplemental to all other public wildfire responders. There may be instances when WDS will not be able to provide their services, such as when an area becomes too dangerous for their firefighters to enter. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the services will be provided or that they will prevent damage from occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildfire Defense Systems (WDS) is the largest insurance wildfire response service in the nation and specializes in wildfire education, loss prevention, and wildfire response services.
You can learn more about WDS by visiting their website at
www.wildfire-defense.com.
Some of the services they provide include:
• Non-destructive fuel mitigation around the property
• Removal of combustible items around the outside of the home
• Sprinkler system set‐up
• Sealing non‐mechanical home vents with fire resistive tape
• Application of fire‐blocking gel and/or retardant
• Protecting structures from post‐fire residual threats
WDS actively monitors wildfire activity across the country and may deploy services to your property when they determine that a wildfire has the potential to threaten your property.
There may be instances when WDS will not be able to provide their services, such as when an area becomes too dangerous for their firefighters to enter. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the services will be provided or that they will prevent damage from occurring.
WDS deploys NWCG certified professional firefighters to perform the services.
Eligible policies are automatically enrolled in the service. You can confirm your enrollment by calling 800-466-3748.
The service is provided to you at no additional cost.
Customers with a homeowners insurance policy in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington are eligible for the service.
The service is not currently available for condos, renters, or manufactured homes.
No. The service is provided at no additional cost and there is no discount for enrolling.
You do not need to contact WDS when a wildfire occurs.
The areas affected by wildfire are increasing at a rapid pace due to higher temperatures, drying conditions, and urban expansion. We want to do our part in helping you protect your home from the growing threat of wildfire.
WDS will not be able to service any property that is inaccessible because of a locked gate or any other barrier.
Fire blocking gel is a non-toxic, fire-preventing and heat-absorbing Class A fire-retardant gel that WDS may use to help protect your home and property. The gel particles adhere directly to a house or structure and quickly extinguish any flames or burning materials that come into contact with the gel. It creates a gelled water barrier that effectively helps protect a home or structure for several hours and may prevent a home or structure ignition. It can be rehydrated to extend effectiveness, as needed. The gel is used as a last resort when fighting a fire. It is proven to be effective as it also adheres to smooth surfaces such as glass. Once the wildfire threat has passed, the gel is removed, typically using a light washing process with water. The gel is safe for homes and the environment: it is about 98% water and can be used on all types of trees and vegetation.
Fire Retardant is a non-toxic, fire-preventing substance that Wildfire Defense may use to help protect the home and property. The Fire Retardant may be applied to combustible materials and vegetation that surround a home or structure. The Retardant is also used as a last resort when fighting a fire. Once the wildfire threat has passed, the Fire Retardant is removed, typically using a light washing process with water. There may be residual Fire Retardant left on vegetation after cleaning that will safely biodegrade over time. The Fire Retardant is safe for vegetation and the environment: it is about 90% water and can be used on all types of trees and vegetation.
Once there is no further threat of wildfire, WDS will typically return to the properties they have serviced to clean off gel from applied structures, remove vent tape, and return combustibles to their previous location.
WDS works with local, state and federal fire response teams to coordinate response services for a wildfire incident. WDS services are supplemental and do not replace local, state and federal emergency response services.
If damage to your property occurs from WDS’s mitigation services, we will cover the damage up to the policy limit. A deductible will not apply.
WDS will typically leave a door hanger or other material notifying you that your property has been serviced.
You may opt out of this service by calling 800-466-3748.