Many properties—particularly those located in rural or semi‑rural areas—face elevated exposure to wildfire. Dense vegetation, dry grasses, and nearby forested terrain can allow fire to spread rapidly, threatening buildings, equipment, communication systems, and critical operational infrastructure. Developing and implementing a Fire Management Plan is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk to property, employees, and visitors.
A Fire Management Plan provides a structured, proactive approach to preparing a facility for potential wildfire conditions. The following general considerations can help organizations strengthen their risk posture:
I. Coordinate With Local Fire Officials
- Conduct a facility walk‑through with local fire authorities to identify potential fire‑exposure hazards.
- Confirm compliance with applicable fire codes and local requirements.
- Discuss how facility personnel can support fire officials during a wildfire event.
- Participate in or help establish a local wildfire‑preparedness or fire‑protection planning group.
- Implement a process for monitoring ongoing fire conditions and regional alerts.
- Ensure the facility has an appropriate fire alarm and notification system.
II. Assess Facility Vulnerabilities
- Identify critical systems—power, communications, equipment, and essential operations—that could be disrupted or damaged during a wildfire.
- Prepare diagrams and facility maps for fire‑department use during emergency response.
- Evaluate how wildfire conditions could impact business continuity and integrate contingency strategies into the organization’s disaster‑recovery plan.
III. Establish an External Defensible Space
- Create a clear perimeter around buildings by removing grass, brush, dead limbs, and other combustible vegetation. Standards such as NFPA 1144 recommend a minimum 30‑foot defensible zone; larger clearances may provide additional protection.
- In forested areas, remove low‑lying combustible materials and trim tree branches up to approximately six feet above ground level to reduce ignition potential.
- Understand how wildfire may approach the property. Terrain features—such as canyons, slopes, ridges, roads, and natural fire breaks—can influence fire behavior and speed. Local fire officials can provide valuable insight.
IV. Strengthen Internal Fire‑Prevention Measures
- Clear vegetation from around power lines and trim branches that overhang roofs.
- Store fuels and flammable materials at safe distances from buildings and defensible‑space zones.
- Maintain at least 30 feet of separation between combustible vegetation and structures.
- Keep roof gutters free of leaves and debris.
- Use fire‑resistive or non‑combustible materials for new construction, repairs, or renovations.
- Incorporate fire‑resistant landscaping principles, selecting plants and ground cover with low fire‑loading characteristics.
- Position liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks at least 30 feet from any structure.
A well‑designed Fire Management Plan not only supports regulatory compliance and insurance‑readiness but also strengthens organizational resilience. By proactively addressing wildfire exposure, mission‑driven organizations can better safeguard their people, property, and essential services.
Final risk management considerations
This article provides general risk management considerations. Because laws and local conditions vary, make sure you consult qualified local professionals, such as legal counsel and local authorities, and review your insurance coverages to understand how your policy may respond in different scenarios.
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