Your Guide to Staying Ahead of a Wildfire: How Small Businesses Can Prepare

Running a small business in wildfire-prone regions means balancing daily operations with the looming threat of natural disasters. While wildfires may not be a daily concern, their increasing frequency and intensity make preparedness essential. This guide walks you through simple, practical steps to get your business ready.

Wildfire preparedness can help safeguard personnel, equipment, and business continuity.

Some quick reasons to make it a priority:

• Wildfires are growing more frequent and intense.
• Commercial properties are often overlooked in community preparedness.
• Downtime may result in revenue disruptions, service delays, and operational challenges.

If no plan exists, consider developing a written emergency protocol. A wildfire emergency plan doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should cover a few basics.

• Clear evacuation routes and meeting points for your team.
• Communication plan for keeping employees, vendors, and even customers in the loop.
• Roles and responsibilities, so everyone knows what to do (and what not to do).
• Emergency contact list—include utilities, local fire departments, and insurance agents.

When it comes to wildfire prep, what’s outside your building can be just as important as what’s inside. Creating and maintaining a defensible space—the buffer between your business and nearby vegetation—can be an effective method to help reduce the chance of fire spreading to your structure.

Here are some practical steps to help reduce property risk.

• Clear brush, dry grass, leaves, and debris within at least 30 feet of your building. This area should be regularly maintained to limit the buildup of flammable material.
• Trim trees and shrubs to keep branches at least 10 feet away from roofs and chimneys. If possible, choose fire-resistant plants and remove anything that looks dry or overgrown.
• Relocate flammable items such as propane tanks, pallets, or wood storage at least 30 feet from structures when feasible.
• Keep roofs, gutters, and decks clean. Dry leaves and pine needles can ignite easily.
• Seal gaps and install ember-resistant vents to help limit the entry of wind-driven embers, which are a common cause of structure fires during wildfire events.

Emergency plans are more effective when supported by employee training. That’s where training comes in.

Keep it simple:

• Walk through evacuation routes during a regular safety meeting.
• Show employees how to use fire extinguishers and identify exit signs.
• Make sure everyone knows what to grab (and what to leave behind) in an emergency.

And don’t forget personal safety gear: N95 masks, reflective vests, or even pre-packed go bags may assist with personal protection during an evacuation.

Even if your building stays safe, wildfires can knock out power, disrupt deliveries, and impact operations for days or longer.

Some ways to prepare:

• Back up important files in the cloud (and keep a local copy, too).
• Portable generators may support operations during a power outage.
• Set up a way to work remotely if your team can’t return right away.
• Touch base with key suppliers to understand what support they can offer during wildfires.

After a wildfire, you’ll want two things ready: your insurance policy and your documentation.

• Check if your commercial insurance includes wildfire and business interruption coverage.
• Take photos of your property, equipment, and inventory and store them online.
• Know how to contact your insurer and file a claim.

Not sure where to turn for help? Programs like SBA disaster assistance or FEMA support may be available, especially if your area is declared a federal disaster zone.

Fast communication matters when the situation changes minute to minute. Make sure you have access to these tools:

• A mass notification system to alert your entire team fast
• Multiple backup channels—text, email, phone trees, or two-way radios
• A real-time info source (like emergency alert apps or NOAA weather radios)

Need a shopping list? Start with the basics to be prepared.

While wildfires are unpredictable, having a response plan may help mitigate disruptions. With a little planning, the right gear, and clear communication, you can support safety efforts and aid operational recovery.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions. Portions of this article were generated in part by ChatGPT, and edited by a member of the Zoro team.