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 Risk Assured, 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.

Photo by Matt Palmer on Unsplash

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:

1. Direct Flames: The advancing fire consumes everything in its path.

2. Airborne Embers: Carried by wind, embers can enter vents and windows, igniting interior materials.

3. 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

Advanced Wildfire Mitigation Strategies and Protection for Businesses

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 and maximize wildfire protection for businesses.

At Risk Assured, 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.

FAQ: How to Protect Your Business from the Growing Threat of Wildfires

1) Why are wildfires a growing threat to businesses?

Climate change, rising temperatures, and prolonged droughts have increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Businesses located near wildland-urban interfaces face heightened risks of property damage, operational disruption, and financial loss.

2) What types of businesses are most at risk from wildfires?

Businesses in high-risk wildfire zones, especially those near forested areas, dry grasslands, or mountain regions, are most vulnerable. Industries such as hospitality, agriculture, and logistics often experience the greatest impact.

3) How can businesses reduce wildfire risk to their properties?

Key measures include maintaining defensible space, clearing vegetation, installing fire-resistant roofing and siding, using metal mesh vent screens, and conducting routine building inspections to identify vulnerabilities.

4) What is defensible space and why is it important?

Defensible space is a buffer zone between a building and surrounding vegetation that slows or stops the spread of fire. Maintaining at least 100 feet of cleared, fire-resistant landscaping helps protect structures from direct flames and radiant heat.

5) How can businesses protect critical systems and assets during wildfires?

Install backup generators, surge protection systems, and fire suppression tools. Storing data in the cloud and maintaining offsite backups ensures that vital business information remains safe even if facilities are damaged.

6) How should employees and management prepare for wildfire emergencies?

Develop a Wildfire Emergency Plan that includes evacuation routes, communication protocols, and employee training. Conduct annual drills to ensure everyone knows how to respond quickly and safely.

7) How do wildfires impact business insurance coverage?

Wildfire-prone areas often face higher premiums and stricter underwriting requirements. Demonstrating proactive mitigation measures can help businesses secure better coverage and lower costs.

8) What role does risk assessment play in wildfire preparedness?

Risk assessments identify vulnerabilities in a business’s structure, location, and operations. They help determine the most effective mitigation measures, including engineering upgrades and emergency planning.

9) What should businesses do immediately after a wildfire event?

After ensuring safety, contact insurance providers, document damages, and schedule structural and environmental assessments. Avoid re-entering facilities until they’re cleared by authorities.

10) How does Risk Assured help businesses strengthen wildfire resilience?

Risk Assured provides fire risk engineering, site vulnerability assessments, and disaster resilience planning to help organizations reduce wildfire exposure, meet insurance standards, and protect critical assets.