How to Prepare a Business for a Wildfire Emergency or Evacuation

1. Create a Wildfire Emergency Plan for Your Business

In an evacuation, a business continuity plan enables you to act quickly, communicate clearly, protect assets, and minimize business disruption. Here’s how to get started:

Risk & Assessment

• • Conduct a risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities to your building and surroundings, focusing on the wildfire defensible space zones (0–5 ft and 5–30 ft) and nearby vegetation.
  • Identify critical assets and operational functions that could be affected (e.g., Accounting, Facilities, HR, IT).

Emergency Response Team

• • Establish an emergency response team to develop and implement the business continuity plan.
  • Assign specific roles for last-minute building prep, such as moving combustible items and merchandise indoors, clearing tree debris around the building, and verifying that the 0–5 ft noncombustible zone is free of flammable materials.

Evacuation, Safety, & Crisis Communication

• • Define evacuation procedures for employees and customers, including routes, meeting locations, and communication protocols.
  • If your business has garages, parking structure gates, or roller doors, ensure staff (or tenants) know how to operate them manually during a power outage.
  • Create a communication plan for employees and customers during an event, outlining how updates and emergency procedures will be shared.

Continuity & Recovery

• • Implement an IT data backup and recovery system off-site or via a secure cloud service.
  • Identify alternate facilities or workspaces so operations can continue if the primary location is inaccessible.
  • Develop an employee support plan, which may include remote work guidelines and mental health resources.
  • Conduct regular training and simulation drills.
  • Review and update your plan at least annually, and after drills, near misses, or local wildfire events to incorporate lessons learned.

2. Stay Informed

Be alert and aware of wildfire conditions in your area.

• • Weather Alerts: Download a weather app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.
  • Community Notifications: Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county, city, or local fire department.
  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): Ensure your mobile phone is set to receive these automatic emergency broadcasts and verify these settings are enabled for all employee devices.

3. Review Insurance Coverage & Document Your Inventory

Ensure your coverage is adequate and your assets are well documented.

• • Review Your Policy: Confirm that wildfire is listed as a covered peril. Check coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles, and ask your agent if additional coverage is recommended for your area.
  • Improve Your Risk Profile: Properties that meet wildfire resilience standards (e.g., Critical Business Prep and Additional Building Upgrades) may qualify for better insurance rates or coverage options. Compare policies to find the best fit.
  • Document Your Assets: Create a photo or video inventory of all spaces, including warehouses, storage, and outdoor areas. Store this securely in the cloud or off-site to speed up claims and ensure accuracy.

4. Improve Site Access and Fire-Fighting Capabilities

Help first responders quickly locate your business and access your building.

• • Visible Addressing: Post building numbers that are at least 4 inches tall, in a contrasting or reflective color, and visible from both directions of the street.
  • Driveway Access: Maintain at least 12 feet of width and 13.5 feet of vertical clearance for emergency vehicles.
  • Gated Entrances: Gates should open inward and be set back at least 30 feet from the road and from any roadway intersection. If secured, they must have a key box or lock approved by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
  • Fire Fighting Capabilities: Work with local authorities to develop pre-planning procedures and verify fire hydrant spacing adequacy. Consider installing a draft connection for firefighter use if hydrants are not nearby.

5. Work with Your Neighbors and Community

Wildfire risk is shared—so is the responsibility.

• • Start the Conversation: Talk with neighboring businesses and property owners about wildfire mitigation strategies. Share what you’ve done proactively and encourage them to take similar steps.
  • Recognize Shared Risk: In commercial districts or near residential areas, one property’s ignition can threaten surrounding buildings. Encourage coordinated vegetation management and defensible space practices across property lines.
  • Join Local Efforts: Partner with Fire Safe Councils, business associations, or community preparedness groups to coordinate wildfire readiness and spread awareness on a larger scale.

6. Red Flag Warnings: Stay Alert and Ready

When Red Flag Warnings are issued, take action immediately. These conditions signal heightened fire danger due to high wind and low humidity.

• • Activate your wildfire preparedness plan. Keep employees informed of:
    • Current wildfire conditions.
    • Your company’s response actions.
    • What employees should do now or be prepared to do, and when.
  • Delay or reschedule outdoor work involving heat, sparks, or flammable equipment.
  • Begin the following last-minute prep.

Last-Minute Prep: Outside the Building

• • Gated Facilities/Communities, Garages, and Parking Structures: Open all gates to allow unrestricted exit for occupants and access for responders. Ensure staff know how to manually open garage or parking structure doors if power is out.
  • Balconies and Patios: For multi-tenant buildings, communicate with tenants to move all combustible items indoors. For hotels and motels, assign staff to clear all balconies and patios.
  • 0–5 ft Noncombustible Zone: Remove combustible items and stored materials (e.g., door mats, pallets, outdoor furniture, equipment, merchandise, signage, trash, cardboard, and planters). Clear vegetative debris from patios, ramps, and within 5 feet of the building. Maintain hardscaping (concrete, gravel, etc.).
  • Secure Gates: Prop open any combustible fence gates attached to the building.
  • Roof, Gutters, & Vents: Clear all debris from roofs, gutters, downspouts, and vents to prevent ember ignition. Check that all vents are properly protected with ember-resistant covers (1/8-inch noncombustible mesh) and are in good condition.
  • Gas Supply: Locate the gas meter on the side of the building. Turn the valve clockwise to close. Clearly label the shutoff for staff and first responders. For portable propane cylinders, place them indoors or away from buildings. For large stationary propane tanks, turn off supply and clear combustible debris at least 10 feet around the base.
  • Water Supply: Avoid using sprinklers to preserve water pressure for firefighters.

Last-Minute Prep: Inside the Building

• • Move Interior Combustibles: Relocate combustible items like curtains, window coverings, merchandise, boxes, and furniture away from windows, doors, and vents. If time allows, unplug appliances and equipment to reduce electrical hazards.
  • Ensure Property Visibility: Leave exterior lights and illuminated business signage on (if power is available) so firefighters can easily identify your building in smoky conditions.
  • Close Doors & Windows: Close all interior and exterior doors and windows to block ember entry and slow fire spread. Close all commercial sectional, overhead, and roller doors.

Be Ready to Evacuate

Stay up to date on the latest emergency evacuation orders from local authorities by monitoring official websites, social media accounts, and local news outlets.

• • Monitor Evacuation Orders: Use official websites, local media, and emergency alert apps.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If you feel unsafe, leave—don’t wait for an official notice. Have a designated go-kit ready with critical business records, backup drives, employee contact lists, and essential supplies.
  • Evacuate Immediately if Ordered: Follow your wildfire plan, take your go-kit, and leave without delay.
  • Never Stay to Defend: Defending a business against wildfire is extremely dangerous. Your safety is the top priority.