California wildfires and business resilience: 5 proactive security tips for northern California companies

The increasing intensity and unpredictability of wildfires in California present growing challenges for businesses and communities. As recent events demonstrate, even facilities with advanced security systems must adapt quickly to protect people, assets, and operations during these crises.

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, with estimated economic losses between $52 billion and $57 billion, could become the most expensive in California's history. This highlights the urgent need for businesses across the state to enhance their wildfire preparedness.

At Security 101, we are committed to helping Northern California businesses navigate these risks with proactive, integrated security solutions designed to ensure safety and resilience.

Here are five actionable tips to help businesses safeguard facilities, protect employees, and maintain business continuity in the face of escalating wildfire threats.

California Wildfires: Preparedness is Key as Threat Grows

The recent Los Angeles wildfire that impacted over 17,000 acres in a single day highlights the growing intensity and unpredictability of these disasters. While California has long endured some of the nation’s most devastating wildfires, the threat extends across the western United States, impacting both communities and businesses.

Driven by rising temperatures and persistent drought, wildfires now consume millions of acres annually, leaving a trail of destruction and disruption. This escalating risk underscores a crucial takeaway, particularly for businesses operating in California: preparedness is essential for resilience and continuity.

Understanding wildfire risks to your business

Wildfire risk is not a one-size-fits-all threat—it varies significantly depending on geographical location, facility type, and industry operations. Businesses located in wildfire-prone areas, like the western United States, must take a proactive approach to assess their vulnerability.

California accounted for over 1.5 million acres burned in 2023 alone, making it one of the most wildfire-affected states in the country. Additionally, studies indicate that nearly 15% of properties in the state face a high or extreme risk of wildfire damage.

The risks extend beyond the immediate flames. Businesses must also prepare for secondary impacts, such as:

• Disrupted supply chains: Road closures and hazardous conditions can delay deliveries and disrupt operations.
• Poor air quality: Wildfire smoke can infiltrate buildings, posing health risks to employees and requiring air filtration upgrades.
• Power outages: Rolling blackouts or infrastructure damage can leave businesses without electricity for extended periods.

Understanding these risks is the first step toward implementing effective security measures that protect not only physical assets but also the well-being of employees and the continuity of operations. With California’s wildfire season now extending well beyond traditional timelines, every business must be prepared for the unexpected.

Five Steps to Strengthen Wildfire Preparedness for Northern California Businesses

Wildfires are a year-round threat in Northern California, posing unique risks to businesses across the region. From safeguarding employees to protecting facilities, having a robust preparedness plan is essential.

These five steps are tailored to help local businesses in the Bay Area strengthen their defenses against wildfires and ensure resilience in the face of unexpected challenges:

1. Review your current physical security posture

Northern California’s wildfire-prone landscape demands a tailored security approach. Start by evaluating your current systems to ensure they’re equipped to handle the challenges of wildfires.

• Local risk assessment: Conduct a site-specific assessment to uncover vulnerabilities and implement targeted upgrades that address wildfire-specific threats.
• Surveillance coverage: Can your cameras operate effectively in smoky or low-visibility conditions? Consider upgrading to models with enhanced thermal imaging or smoke-penetrating capabilities.
• Access control reliability: Are your systems supported by reliable backup power, such as generators or cloud-based solutions? This ensures functionality during power outages or emergencies.

While taking these steps is essential, the process can feel overwhelming. Leverage resources like FEMA and CISA for guidance and collaborate with trusted partners to create a comprehensive wildfire preparedness plan.

2. Protecting your people during a wildfire

Employee safety must be a top priority during wildfire events. Clearly marked evacuation routes, regular safety drills, and dependable mass notification systems can save lives. A notification platform that alerts employees via SMS, email, and voice calls ensures everyone stays informed, even if communication networks are disrupted.

Collaborating with local fire departments and emergency response teams can also enhance your preparedness by aligning your plans with community resources. In addition to the previously mentioned security assessment, employees should have a basic understanding of key safety measures including:

• Recognizing warning signs: Teach employees to identify signs of nearby wildfires, such as visible smoke, red-flag warnings, or public alerts.
• Evacuation procedures: Ensure everyone knows the designated evacuation routes, meeting points, and protocols for checking in once they’ve reached safety.
• Emergency communication: Educate employees on how to access real-time updates and report their status through the company’s communication channels.

3. Safeguarding physical assets during a wildfire

Wildfires pose two major risks to Northern California businesses: the destructive power of fire and the potential for vandalism or looting during evacuations. A well-rounded approach to protecting your physical assets is essential to minimizing losses and maintaining resilience.

Here are some actionable tips for security teams:

• Reinforce fire resilience by installing fire-resistant barriers around key structures to limit damage.
• Use heat-detecting cameras and advanced monitoring systems to identify fire threats early, even in smoky conditions.
• Store backups and critical documents in fireproof safes or secure off-site locations.
• Ensure all digital data is protected through cloud-based storage.

Combining fire safety measures with asset protection strategies and advanced security systems provides a strong defense against wildfire risks. However, these efforts should be part of a broader business continuity plan that ensures your organization can recover and resume operations quickly after a wildfire.

4. Business continuity planning

Wildfires can disrupt business operations for days, weeks, or even longer, underscoring the critical importance of a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP).

A well-prepared BCP enables your organization to maintain essential functions, minimize downtime, and recover quickly from wildfire-related challenges. For businesses in Northern California, adopting best practices tailored to the region's unique wildfire risks can provide a significant advantage. Here are a few that can really make a difference:

Identify critical functions

Determine the essential operations that must continue during a disruption, such as customer communications, order fulfillment, and IT systems.

Establish alternate work locations

In addition to selecting backup sites where employees can work safely, consider implementing remote work protocols and leveraging cloud-based systems.

Collaborate with local physical security integrator

Partner with a trusted local security provider, like Security 101, to integrate fire detection, access control, and surveillance systems into your continuity plan. These technologies can offer real-time monitoring, protect assets, and enhance response capabilities during an emergency.

5. Post-wildfire recovery for businesses

Recovering after a wildfire is a critical yet often underestimated phase for security teams. Many businesses lean heavily on local authorities and agencies for assistance, but relying solely on external support is rarely sufficient.

The reality is that businesses (even those untouched by fire) can face significant economic losses due to road closures, evacuations, and power outages that disrupt supply chains, reduce customer traffic, and force temporary shutdowns.

Looting is also a major concern. In 2015, during the Valley Fire, multiple arrests were made for looting, with individuals impersonating law enforcement officers to access restricted areas. In response, the National Guard deployed approximately 50 military police teams to protect affected communities.

Fast forward to 2025, where authorities have arrested 20 individuals for looting in Altadena during the Eaton Fire, highlighting the vulnerability of businesses and homes during evacuations.

These incidents underscore the need for proactive security measures to safeguard properties during and after wildfire events:

• Collaborate with local authorities: Build relationships with law enforcement and emergency services to coordinate protective measures and improve response times.
• Leverage advanced surveillance technology: Deploy heat-detecting cameras, remote monitoring systems, and automated alerts to maintain oversight of vulnerable areas, even when physical presence is limited.
• Establish clear communication protocols: Ensure all stakeholders, including employees and security teams, are informed of evacuation procedures, re-entry policies, and any ongoing risks.

Post-wildfire recovery is about more than just rebuilding—it’s an opportunity to strengthen systems, enhance preparedness, and protect against future threats. By combining robust security measures with a well-rounded recovery plan, businesses can emerge from wildfire crises stronger and more resilient.

Wildfire Readiness for Northern California Businesses

Wildfires in Northern California demand proactive planning and robust security measures to protect people, assets, and operations. By understanding risks, implementing tailored strategies, and leveraging advanced technology, businesses can reduce disruptions and recover more effectively.

At Security 101, we provide innovative solutions to help businesses prepare for and respond to wildfire challenges. Visit Security 101’s San Francisco page to strengthen your wildfire resilience and safeguard your future.