Summary: Weather conditions like severe drought, strong winds, and high heat make it easy for wildfires to spread. Businesses located in regions susceptible to wildfires should know how to prepare for a wildfire to help reduce some of the damage that could occur to their property. We share tips for wildfire recovery efforts so businesses can get back up and running quickly. How Can Businesses Recover from Wildfires?
The
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) report, which is updated daily, states that 37,806 wildfires have burned 7,334,054 acres so far in 2024.
The
NIFC annual report found that 56,580 wildfires were reported nationally in 2023, compared to 68,988 wildfires in 2022. Reported wildfires consumed 2,693,910 acres nationally, compared to 7,577,183 acres in 2022.
In 2023, the reported acres burned nationwide was noticeably lower than the 10-year average, while the number of reported wildfires nationwide was slightly lower than the 10-year average.
Seasonality and Conditions
There is no official start date for wildfire season; most will likely happen between May and October. However, in the past few years, there have been significant fires through the end of December.
Severe drought continues to be the primary cause of wildfires in the West. Other weather conditions that make it easier for wildfires to start and spread are strong winds, high heat, low humidity, and lightning, all compounded by the
climate change crisis.
Businesses located in regions more susceptible to wildfires, such as California, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, should have a plan in place to help them prepare for a wildfire and reduce the damage. They should also
prepare for a wildfire to assist in getting back up and running as quickly as possible.
Wildfire Restoration: How to Get Started with Recovery Efforts
As the latest round of wildfires become contained, businesses in the areas affected are preparing to start recovery and restoration efforts. Agents should be prepared for the influx of calls from clients ready to begin the
claim process. It’s important for workers involved in the cleanup to understand the risks involved in the restoration, which,
according to the CDC, include:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Respiratory issues caused by ash, soot, and other materials
- Electrical hazards
- Possibility of igniting a new fire
- Strains and injuries to hands, knees, shoulders and back
- Operating heavy equipment
- Extreme fluctuations in temperature
- Exposure to hazardous materials
Often, professional cleaning services or fire or smoke remediation contractors are needed for cleanup efforts following a fire due to the specialized equipment and services necessary for proper restoration. Any workers assisting in the wildfire cleanup must have access to protective clothing items like hard hats, goggles, gloves, steel-toed boots, dust masks, and respirators.
California offers
worker's health and safety guidelines to help business owners get started on the cleanup and restoration process after a fire, too. A few general tips include:
- Ventilate the area by opening doors and windows
- Remove burnt debris as soon as possible to reduce odors
- Avoid using deodorants as they mask odors that can indicate health concerns
- Install dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the air if water was used to extinguish the fire
- Plastic surfaces like PVC windows should be cleaned using a mild alkali detergent to remove acidic soot that can activate moisture in the air and cause permanent staining
How to Create Wildfire Plans for Businesses
When your clients are located in a region prone to wildfires, there are
fire preparedness procedures they can do to help reduce some of the damage caused by such a disaster. Businesses should be aware of the type of
Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) they are located in, typically classified as extreme, high, or moderate. This is based on an evaluation of their area, including fire history, plants and landscaping, slope, and other terrain features that can impact the growth and spreading of wildfires. Knowing the FHSZ rating will affect the construction ordinances and material requirements, which can help reduce some of the damage caused by wildfires.
Additionally, understanding how to create a
defensible space or buffer zone around a commercial building can increase the likelihood of a business surviving a wildfire. A defensible space is the area between the building and the approaching fire where landscaping has been managed to reduce damage. For instance, 30-100 feet away from the property line (known as Zone 3) should feature trees and brush that are spaced so that fires are forced to drop from tree crowns to the ground. The area 5-30 feet from the property line (Zone 2) should feature well-spaced vegetation that is maintained and healthy, while tall grasses, hanging branches, and other plants that allow fire to climb up trees are eliminated. Finally, in Zone 1, which is 0-5 feet from the building, planting woody vegetation should be avoided, and the plants and trees in this area should be carefully managed at all times.
Risk Control Services from AmTrust Financial
AmTrust Financial’s
Risk Control Department offers resources to help small business owners learn how to better
protect their commercial property from various risks, including wildfires. Additionally, we can help insureds identify specific hazards and offer solutions that fit each operation. We are dedicated to providing the recommendations and resources necessary to create an effective loss prevention program for small businesses. Please
contact us today to learn more.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or business advice. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors. Coverages may vary by location. Contact your local RSM for more information.​