How to Protect Your Business from the Growing Threat of Wildfires

Wildfires are no longer isolated events—they’re becoming larger, more frequent, and more destructive every year. In 2020 alone, over 8.5 million acres were burned across the United States, causing billions in damages and bringing entire industries to a halt. For business owners in fire-prone regions, the threat is real—and rising.

At RiskAssured, we believe wildfire preparedness is a business essential. In this guide, we’ll show you how to reduce your property’s vulnerability, protect your assets, and keep your operations running when wildfires strike.

Why Wildfires Are So Dangerous for Businesses

The biggest danger isn’t just flames reaching your facility—it’s the many ways a wildfire can destroy your property, including:

Direct Flames: The advancing fire consumes everything in its path.
Airborne Embers: Carried by wind, embers can enter vents and windows, igniting interior materials.
Radiant Heat: Even without direct contact, intense heat can melt siding, crack windows, or preheat flammable surfaces, making them easier to ignite.

Step 1: Understand Your Fire Hazard Severity Zone

The first step in wildfire risk management is knowing how exposed your business really is.

Check your local Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) rating
Ratings are classified as moderate, high, or very high/extreme
These ratings impact building codes, landscaping rules, and maintenance expectations

California businesses can access this info through the Cal Fire FHSZ Viewer.

Step 2: Strengthen Your Building Against Wildfires

If you’re building or remodeling, choose fire-resistant materials from the start. If you’re retrofitting an existing structure, focus on upgrades in the most vulnerable areas:

Use noncombustible siding (e.g., concrete, brick)
Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance between the ground and any combustible siding
Replace older roof materials with Class A-rated roofing (e.g., asphalt shingles, slate, metal)
Install metal mesh screens on all vents (1/8" or finer) to block embers
Consider spark arrestors on chimneys and fire-resistant glass for windows

Step 3: Create Buffer Zones Around Your Building

Strategic landscaping can drastically reduce your fire risk. Use these three “defensible space” zones:

Zone 1 (0–5 feet): No trees or shrubs. Use gravel or stone mulch. Keep this area clear of flammable debris.
Zone 2 (5–30 feet): Carefully space and maintain trees and shrubs. Add concrete walkways or patios as fire breaks.
Zone 3 (30–100 feet): Thin vegetation to prevent crown fires. Remove dead trees and trim lower branches.

Step 4: Eliminate Combustible Hazards

Don’t give fire extra fuel.

Store wooden pallets, propane tanks, and flammable materials away from the building
In multi-family properties (e.g., apartments, hotels), enforce policies to remove combustibles from decks and balconies
Replace wooden fencing, decks, and walkways with noncombustible materials whenever possible

Step 5: Perform Regular Maintenance

Fire safety is an ongoing responsibility. Schedule routine inspections to:

Clean leaves, needles, and debris from gutters and roofs
Check and replace vent screens if needed
Inspect sprinkler systems and ensure water access for fire response teams
Maintain landscaping throughout fire season

Bonus: Advanced Wildfire Mitigation Strategies

Want to go beyond the basics? These upgrades add extra layers of protection:

Noncombustible gutter covers
Fully enclosed eaves
Tempered double-pane windows
Emergency access improvements for firefighters
Fire-resistant perimeter fencing
Off-site backup of critical business data and documentation

Final Thoughts: Wildfire Risk Is Rising—Is Your Business Ready?

With climate change and urban development expanding into fire-prone regions, wildfire danger is becoming a year-round concern. While no solution can eliminate the risk completely, proactive planning and smart upgrades can dramatically reduce your vulnerability.

At RiskAssured, we help businesses prepare for the worst while operating with confidence. From property risk assessments to wildfire resilience planning, we’ve got you covered.

Contact RiskAssured today to schedule your wildfire risk consultation.