Wildfire preparedness for businesses: how to protect your people, property, and operations

Wildfires don’t just threaten homes and forests—they can devastate businesses too. Entire commercial districts have burned in major fires, and even businesses not directly touched by flames may face smoke damage, power outages, and prolonged closures.

According to FEMA, 25% of businesses never reopen after a disaster, including wildfires (globalguardian.com). The stakes are high, but with proactive planning, your business can reduce risks, protect employees, and improve recovery.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Create a wildfire emergency action plan

You may already have an evacuation plan for building fires, but wildfires require additional preparation. A solid wildfire plan should cover both life safety and business continuity.

-> Evacuation procedures

• Define who has the authority to order an evacuation and under what conditions (e.g., when a fire is within a certain distance or when officials issue orders).

• Post clear evacuation maps in common areas.

• Conduct regular drills, including full-site wildfire evacuation scenarios (sba.gov).

• Keep an up-to-date headcount system at your assembly point.

• If you serve customers on-site, include procedures to guide and evacuate them safely.

-> Communication plan

• Set up a phone tree, mass text/email system, or alert app to notify employees—even during off-hours.

• Assign someone to monitor wildfire alerts and liaise with emergency officials.

• Maintain a current emergency contact list for all staff.

• Decide how you’ll communicate with clients or customers during disruptions (e.g., social media, website banners, email).

-> Employee training and roles

• Train employees in wildfire-specific safety, fire extinguisher use, and first aid (sba.gov).

• Assign and cross-train people for key tasks (calling 911, grabbing supplies, assisting others).

• Conduct tabletop scenarios with leadership to spot weaknesses.

• Don’t forget remote or field employees—have a way to reach and account for them during emergencies.

-> Business continuity and data protection

• Back up critical data off-site or in the cloud to prevent loss if hardware is destroyed (globalguardian.com).

• Consider a backup generator for on-site servers (only if safe and remotely monitored).

• Identify essential functions that can operate remotely.

• Keep a list of vendors, suppliers, and clients to contact if your operations are disrupted.

2. Defend your business property

Just like homes, commercial properties can be “hardened” to resist wildfire damage.

-> Clear vegetation and debris

• Trim back overhanging trees and remove dead plants or brush.

• Maintain at least a 30-foot buffer zone around the building.

• Replace flammable mulch with gravel or rock.

• Regularly clean gutters, rooftops, and dumpster areas to remove leaf litter or trash.

-> Fire-resistant building features

• Choose non-combustible roofing and siding (e.g., metal, brick, concrete).

• Screen vents with metal mesh to block embers (nifc.gov).

• Upgrade to double-pane tempered windows where possible.

• Replace plastic skylights with glass alternatives.

• Enclose open eaves or install ember-resistant soffit vents.

• If you use awnings, signs, or fences, ensure they are made from fire-resistant materials—retract fabric awnings on high-risk days.

-> On-site firefighting resources

• Keep charged fire extinguishers throughout the premises and train staff in their use.

• For large or rural properties, consider:

  • Outdoor hoses or standpipe hookups.

  • Roof or yard sprinkler systems.

  • Fire gel or portable water pumps (only for trained personnel and if conditions allow) (nationalfirefighter.com).

Note: Life safety always comes first—never attempt fire suppression if evacuation is needed.

-> Utility safety

• Know how to safely shut off gas, propane, or fuel tanks (sba.gov).

• Store flammable chemicals or solvents in fire-safe containers and minimize stock on high-risk days.

• For example, a landscaping business might reduce stored fuel or relocate vehicles temporarily.

3. Protect employees and customers

People come first in any emergency. Here’s how to safeguard both staff and patrons.

-> Air quality and smoke protection

• Decide in advance when to suspend operations due to poor air quality (e.g., AQI threshold).

• Provide N95 masks for staff who must work in smoky conditions.

• Use HEPA HVAC filters and set systems to recirculate indoor air (ready.gov).

• Set up air purifiers or offer masks to customers in retail settings if needed.

-> Shelter-in-place preparation

• Identify a potential shelter-in-place area, such as a large room or underground garage.

• Stock it with basic supplies (water, first aid kits, lights, radios).

• Install emergency lighting and exit signage, and maintain backup power for alarms.

-> Field staff and remote workers

• Include remote or field-based employees in emergency planning.

• Know who lives in wildfire-prone areas—they may need flexibility for evacuations.

• Establish systems to check in and pull back field crews if fire danger escalates.

4. Insurance and financial readiness

Review your insurance before fire season begins:

• Confirm coverage for both structure and contents.

• Ensure business interruption insurance is in place—it covers lost income during shutdowns.

• Maintain photo documentation and inventory lists of equipment and assets.

• Back up documentation in the cloud for fast access post-disaster.

• If a fire occurs:

  • Photograph damage before cleanup.

  • File claims as early and thoroughly as possible.

• Know what aid is available:

  • The SBA offers disaster loans to small businesses after federal declarations.

  • Keep contact info for your local SBA and other grant programs (sba.gov).

5. During and after a wildfire event

If a wildfire nears your location, act quickly:

• Monitor official emergency alerts (radio, news, FEMA app).

• Don’t wait—self-evacuate if conditions feel dangerous.

• Shut off utilities and secure the premises before leaving.

• Do not return until authorities declare it safe.

• Afterward, watch for:

  • Structural instability.

  • Hot spots or gas leaks.

  • Power hazards (sba.gov).

• Have a qualified professional inspect the property before resuming operations (sba.gov).

• Keep employees and clients informed of reopening plans and status.

• Debrief with your team—improve your plan based on what worked and what didn’t.

Final thoughts

You can’t wildfire-proof everything—but you can:

• Reduce risks.

• Protect your team.

• Maintain continuity.

• Recover faster.

In a changing climate, wildfire preparedness is no longer optional for businesses in high-risk areas. It’s part of smart, long-term risk management.

With a clear plan, trained staff, hardened buildings, and a resilient mindset, your business can stand strong through wildfire season—and come out the other side ready to rebuild and thrive.