When it comes to the threat of wildfires, it’s important for businesses to be as prepared as possible in order to mitigate risk and loss. In fact, to be OSHA compliant, some businesses are actually required to have a wildfire preparedness plan in place at all times. This article will cover how to prepare for wildfires, wildfire safety, and how to safely return to your business after a fire.  

How Do You Prepare for a Wildfire?

Create Defensible Space

Taking a hard look at the space around your business is key to wildfire preparedness. Creating a safety zone around your business can help protect both your people and your property. Use low-growth/low-combustion plants near the building and establish fire breaks around the entire property to reduce risk.

Also look at your storage. Be sure not to store combustibles such as pallets and cardboard within 20′ feet of any structure. Any electric vehicle charging stations should be installed away from the buildings as well, as electric cars sometimes ignite from overcharging/battery issues.

Consider inviting your local fire department to consult on these types of fire prevention measures, most will come out free of charge.

Make a Wildfire Evacuation Plan

Having an action plan and knowing how to prepare for a wildfire evacuation before it happens can help avoid confusion and prevent injuries. A solid evacuation plan will need to include:

  • A map showing multiple evacuation routes
  • Conditions that will trigger activation of the plan
  • A clear chain of command
  • Defined emergency roles and who is responsible for each
  • Step-by-step evacuation procedures, including designated routes and exits
  • Methods for accounting for employees, customers, and visitors
  • Emergency equipment assigned to staff
  • A process for reviewing the plan with your team

What Do You Do During a Wildfire Situation?

Here are some ideas for what to do if a wildfire is imminent, during, and after a fire has occurred to protect your business and workers as much as possible.

Fire Weather Watch

A fire weather watch means that hazardous fire conditions could develop within the next 12 to 72 hours. During this period, there are things you can do to be sure you and your business are staying safe. Keep alert to weather updates and follow any emergency instructions. Be prepared—know your evacuation route and decide ahead of time where you’ll go if asked to leave. Stay in touch with friends and family. Keep your vehicle fueled, in good working order, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes. 

Basic Wildfire Safety Tips

If you are in a situation where you can see that a fire has broken out but have not yet received wildfire evacuation orders, call 9-1-1. Don’t make the assumption that someone else has already made the call. When instructed to evacuate for a wildfire, act promptly—let someone know about your destination and alert them when you reach it. Numerous communities offer text or email alert systems for emergency updates. To learn what alerts are available in your region, search online using the name of your town, city, or county along with the term “alerts.” If you or anyone with you has sustained burns, call 9-1-1 or seek assistance right away; cool the burns and cover them to minimize the risk of further injury or infection.

What Do You Do After a Fire?

When cleaning up after a wildfire has come through, keep in mind that new and unique dangers will have arisen. These can include electrical, structural, flooding, and air quality complications.

Returning to Your Business

Do not return to your business until authorities have declared it is safe. Maintain a “fire watch” for a few hours after the fire. Carefully inspect the entire building for smoke, sparks, or hidden embers—be thorough, checking areas like the roof and attic. Exercise caution when entering burned sections, as dangers such as hot spots may still be present and can ignite suddenly. If you detect the smell of smoke, evacuate right away.

Contact Your Property Insurance Agent

Get in touch with your property insurance agent as soon as possible. Find out what steps to take to address your business’s immediate needs—this might include removing water and securing doors, windows, or other openings. Ask your agent what they’d like you to do first. Create a detailed list of everything the fire damaged, include descriptions, and note what you originally paid for each item.

Additional Resources

For further resources and safety tips for wildfires please visit:

Other Organizations To Consider: 

  • State and Federal public health departments 
  • State or Municipal emergency services offices