Wildfires
Wildfire Trends and Impact According to the National Interagency Fire Center (1), the number of wildfires and acres burned in the United States has increased significantly in recent years....
Wildfire Trends and Impact
According to the National Interagency Fire Center (1), the number of wildfires and acres burned in the United States has increased significantly in recent years. Wildfire events peaked in 2020, burning the most acres in a single year since 1983. Recent statistics show:
- In 2023, there were 56,580 wildfires that burned (area not available)
- In 2022, there were 68,988 wildfires that burned 7,577,183 acres.
- In 2021, there were 58,985 wildfires that burned 7,125,643 acres.
- In 2020, there were 58,950 wildfires that burned 10,122,336 acres
The impact of wildfires is best illustrated by noting the number of structures destroyed by wildfires each year, highlighting the broad social, economic, and community impacts. Since 2005, wildfires have destroyed more than 103,900 homes, businesses, and other structures across the United States. In 2022, natural catastrophes like wildfires and droughts caused an estimated $18 billion in losses in the U.S., only half of which were insured.
Wildfire Preparedness Strategies
Risk assessment
The first step in wildfire preparedness is conducting a thorough risk assessment of your facility and its surroundings. This should include:
Building Materials and Construction
- Evaluate fire resistance of construction materials including the roof, siding, windows, and vents.
- Identify potential entry points for embers and flames
Vegetation and Landscaping
- Assess type, density, and proximity of surrounding vegetation
- Identify potential fuel sources such as dead or dying trees, shrubs, and accumulated debris.
Create and Maintain Defensible Space
Defensible space is a critical component of wildfire preparedness. It involves creating a buffer zone around the facility by removing or reducing combustible materials, such as vegetation, debris, and other flammable materials. The defensible space should be divided into zones:
- Immediate Zone (0-5 feet) - Keep free of all combustible materials, including mulch, wood piles, and vegetation. Use non-combustible landscaping materials, such as gravel, rock, or concrete.
- Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet) - In this zone, remove dead or dying plants, prune trees and shrubs, and create horizontal and vertical spacing between vegetation. Ensure that trees are well-spaced and pruned to a height of 6-10 feet from the ground.
- Extended Zone (30-100 feet or more) - In the extended zone, thin out dense vegetation, remove dead or dying trees, and create fuel breaks by removing combustible materials. The size of this zone may vary depending on the terrain and vegetation density. Maintaining defensible space is an ongoing process, and regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure its effectiveness.
Facility Hardening
Hardening the facility involves implementing fire-resistant construction materials and techniques to reduce the risk of ignition and ember entry. Consider the following measures:
Roofing and Siding
- Use fire-resistant roofing materials, such as metal, tile, or Class A asphalt shingles
- Consider non-combustible siding materials like stucco, fiber cement, or masonry
Windows, Doors, and Openings
- Install double-paned or tempered glass windows and solid core doors with tight-fitting, non-combustible or minimally combustible frames and trim
- Cover all vents and openings with fine mesh screens (1/8 inch or smaller) to prevent ember entry
Decks and Fences
- Use non-combustible or fire-resistant materials for decks, fences, and other attached structures
- Enclose the underside of decks with fire-resistant materials to prevent ember accumulation
Utilities and Fuel Sources
- Ensure that propane tanks, gas meters, and other fuel sources are located at a safe distance from the facility and are properly maintained
- Consider underground utility lines
Communication Protocols and Emergency Response
- Develop a communication plan for staff, visitors, and emergency responders
- Designate a central point of contact and establish redundant communication channels
- Maintain an adequate supply of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and personal protective equipment
- Provide regular training to staff on emergency procedures, including evacuation protocols, fire suppression techniques, and first aid
- Conduct periodic drills to ensure preparedness and identify areas for improvement.
Collaboration with Local Authorities
- Establish relationships with local fire departments, emergency management agencies, and community organizations
- Coordinate wildfire preparedness efforts, share information, and participate in community-wide initiatives
- Monitor weather conditions and fire danger ratings
- Subscribe to weather alerts and fire danger ratings from authoritative sources
- Utilize online resources, local news, and emergency alerts to stay informed
Professional Assessment
Risk Logic offers comprehensive wildfire assessments, providing detailed reports on site specifics, property risk engineering analysis, and risk mitigation recommendations.
By implementing these strategies, facilities can significantly improve their wildfire preparedness and reduce potential losses. Regular maintenance and updates to these measures are essential for long-term protection against wildfire exposure.
Contact Risk Logic for more details. Please also see our previous articles related to wildfire exposure (links below):
How to Prevent & Prepare for Wildland Fires - Risk Logic
How to Protect your Facility in a Wildland Fire Zone- Risk Logic
Wildfires- Property Loss Prevention - Risk Logic Inc.
