Hardy, NE
How exposed is Hardy to wildfire?
Hardy sits at the 45th percentile nationally for wildfire risk to structures — modestly above the national average for wildfire risk — per USFS's Wildfire Risk to Communities model, built from its 175 counted buildings, not vegetation cover alone. (Source: USFS's Wildfire Risk to Communities methodology.)
Separately from the risk score above, Hardy's burn probability — fire likelihood with no building count factored in — sits at the 40th percentile nationally.
Where Hardy's buildings actually sit
78.3% of Hardy's 175 buildings fall in USFS's Indirect exposure zone — ember cast rather than direct flame — against 16% Direct and 5.7% Minimal. Vent screens and roofing material matter more here than lot clearing alone.
Where Hardy ranks
Hardy ranks lower within Nebraska (29th percentile statewide) than its 45th national percentile suggests alone — a calmer spot in a state where wildfire risk generally runs high. Among the 31,521 US communities USFS scores, Hardy ranks 17,430 for wildfire risk (1 is highest) and 25,826 by building count (1 is largest). Within Nebraska alone, it ranks 413 of 583 places by risk. See the full county-by-county picture for Nebraska on its state page.
Hardy and the insurance market
At the 45th national percentile, Hardy rates elevated for wildfire risk — well short of the threshold where insurers have been withdrawing coverage, though comparing a quote costs nothing either way.
What would actually reduce this score
Hardy's 78.3% Indirect-exposure share points at embers, not flame contact, as the main pathway — ember-resistant vents and non-combustible roofing rank ahead of defensible space here. Detail in the home-hardening guide.
Where Hardy's figures come from
The methodology guide shows exactly how USFS turned 175 counted buildings into the percentiles shown above for Hardy. The exposure-zones guide covers what Hardy's dominant indirect exposure actually means, with real examples from across the dataset.