Wildfire Readiness for Alberta Businesses: Practical Steps That Protect Property, People, and Operations

Wildfire season in Alberta runs from March 1 to October 31, with an annual average of over 1,300 fires—63% of which are caused by human activity. While not every blaze impacts businesses directly, those that do can cause devastating property loss, lengthy shutdowns, and long-term disruption.

At Flash Wildfire Services, we supply wildfire equipment to businesses, landowners, municipalities, and contractors across Alberta. This guide outlines actionable steps businesses can take to reduce wildfire risk—paired with field-ready products we carry and trust.

🔺 Risk Categories to Address

• Employee safety and smoke exposure
• Facility damage from fire or suppression efforts
• Equipment and inventory loss
• Evacuation disruption
• Supply chain delays
• Business continuity interruptions

1. Protecting Employees from Wildfire Hazards

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulates that can cause or aggravate:

• Respiratory illness
• Cardiovascular issues
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation

Best Practice: Implement a wildfire response plan that includes:

• Chain of command and emergency contacts
• Air quality monitoring protocols
• Evacuation trigger thresholds
• Protective gear access (e.g. N95 masks, safety eyewear)
• Communication plans for onsite and remote teams

Tip: Monitor Alberta Wildfire Status and AQHI daily during fire season.

2. Protecting Property with Fire Suppression Equipment

Creating a reliable water movement and suppression setup is one of the most effective ways to defend your property during wildfire season. Flash Wildfire Services supplies a wide range of professional-grade equipment suited for both permanent installations and mobile deployment.

Key categories include:

• High-pressure fire pumps – Suitable for long hose runs, elevation gain, and fast water delivery
• Portable pump setups – Lightweight and field-tested for rapid transport and deployment
• Hose reels and rapid deployment systems – Designed for perimeter coverage and equipment staging
• Foot valves and strainers – Help maintain clean, uninterrupted suction in open water sources
• Sprinkler systems – For roofline, structure, or property-edge protection
• Firefighting hoses and nozzles – Durable, camlock-compatible options for various flow and pressure needs

Every setup should be tailored to your property layout, water source, and risk profile. Our team can help you select compatible components to ensure reliable function in real-world wildfire conditions.

Don’t forget:

• Use proper intake lines (1.5" or 2") with foot valves
• Include quick-connect camlocks and adapters
• Stage fuel safely using certified containers
• Keep spare pump tools and field kits on hand

3. Creating a Defensible Zone

Within 10 meters of structures:

• Use fire-resistant landscaping (rock, gravel)
• Remove dead vegetation and debris
• Avoid storing flammables beside buildings
• Clear eaves and rooftops regularly

Across the property:

• Prune tree canopies to maintain 2m clearance from ground
• Space tree crowns 3–6m apart
• Store fuels at least 6m from buildings
• Install metal mesh over vents and soffits
• Ensure road access: 3.5m wide, 4.5m vertical clearance

4. Securing the Site Before Evacuation

If there’s advance notice of wildfire threat:

• Deploy sprinklers and hose lines
• Wet down buildings and immediate grounds
• Close and seal all openings
• Shut off gas and power
• Move tools and combustibles indoors
• Ensure property access is clear for emergency crews

5. Reducing Supply Chain and Operational Risk

Wildfires can affect freight, fuel delivery, and vendor availability. Be proactive:

• Identify alternate suppliers and logistics partners
• Stock critical inventory ahead of fire season
• Back up operational data offsite
• Explore portable power and off-grid comms solutions
• Communicate risk timelines to customers

6. Preparing for Business Continuity

• Enable remote work protocols and equipment
• Cross-train staff for essential functions
• Cut non-essential expenses early
• Pre-stage insurance claims materials
• Prepare re-entry plans for post-evacuation cleanup

7. Insurance and Recovery Support

Ensure you’re covered with:

• Commercial Property Insurance – For fire damage to buildings, tools, and assets
• Business Interruption Insurance – For lost revenue during evacuation or recovery

Review your wildfire-specific coverage with your insurance advisor and ensure coverage is current before fire season begins.

Plan Ahead. Act Early. Stay Ready.

Wildfires move fast. Your response should be faster. At Flash Wildfire Services, we help Alberta businesses prepare with proven wildfire equipment, fast shipping, and expert guidance.

Contact our team to build your custom wildfire defense system before the next alert.