Arial, SC
How exposed is Arial to wildfire?
Arial sits at the 65th percentile nationally for wildfire risk to structures — well above the national norm for wildfire risk — per USFS's Wildfire Risk to Communities model, built from its 1,747 counted buildings, not vegetation cover alone. (Source: USFS's Wildfire Risk to Communities methodology.)
Separately from the risk score above, Arial's burn probability — fire likelihood with no building count factored in — sits at the 69th percentile nationally.
Where Arial's buildings actually sit
Direct exposure dominates in Arial: 82.7% of its 1,747 buildings, versus 17.3% Indirect and 0% Minimal. Clearing space around a structure changes the outcome here more than any single building-material swap.
Where Arial ranks
Arial ranks lower within South Carolina (36th percentile statewide) than its 65th national percentile suggests alone — a calmer spot in a state where wildfire risk generally runs high. Among the 31,521 US communities USFS scores, Arial ranks 11,034 for wildfire risk (1 is highest) and 8,238 by building count (1 is largest). Within South Carolina alone, it ranks 305 of 474 places by risk. See the full county-by-county picture for South Carolina on its state page.
Shopping for coverage in Arial
At the 65th percentile nationally, Arial carries the high rating that has pushed some carriers to limit new business in similarly-scored places elsewhere in the country. Worth comparing quotes rather than assuming last year's renewal terms still apply.
Hardening a home in Arial
Because Direct exposure dominates in Arial (82.7%), the highest-leverage fix is defensible space, not roofing or vents alone — covered in the home-hardening guide.
Where Arial's figures come from
The methodology guide shows exactly how USFS turned 1,747 counted buildings into the percentiles shown above for Arial. The exposure-zones guide covers what Arial's dominant direct exposure actually means, with real examples from across the dataset.