I grew up in California. As a child, wildfires were a minor part of my world. Definitely not an annual occurrence of ever increasing loss and destruction. In fact, the first time my family was evacuated, I had already moved away and was studying wildlife science, learning about how fire in a natural part of ecosystems, helping to maintain balance and health. Of course what we are seeing today is not natural, fueled by prolonged droughts, urban sprawl, and evolving environmental conditions. Beyond the immediate devastation, wildfires impose billions of dollars in economic losses and carry long-term consequences, from rebuilding costs to health impacts. It’s time for the business community to focus on forward-looking solutions to mitigate risks and foster resilience.
Despite the fact that I started by mentioning all the environmental causes of the increased fire prevalence and intensity, I believe that looking backwards does more harm than good. The climate damage we face today is a reality, and while its roots run deep, pointing fingers about the past won’t change the present. Instead, we must channel our energy into actionable solutions that safeguard our future. The private sector holds immense power to combat climate risk and lead the way in wildfire mitigation through smarter business practices.
Going forward, we can build with fire-resistant materials such as tempered glass and non-combustible roofing. We can design landscapes with defensive space principles, such as clearing flammable vegetation and planting fire-resistant plants.
We can use predictive analytics and AI to monitor fire risk and provide early warnings, deploy remote sensing technology for real-time fire detection/monitoring, and work to upgrade the electrical grid to mitigate fire risk.
To reduce costs of business, adopting a circular economy saves money on both the supply chain end and the waste management end. Wildfires pose a direct threat to business operations, supply chains, and financial stability. Businesses can get ahead of these risks by conducting climate risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in operations and supply chains and develop contingency plans. Further, companies can diversify supply chains to reduce dependence on single sources located in fire-prone areas to ensure business continuity.
Addressing the wildfire crisis requires a united front. Public-private partnerships can amplify the impact of individual efforts. Businesses should partner with government agencies and environmental organizations to fund large-scale reforestation projects to restore ecosystems and reduce fire risks, support community-based fire prevention programs, including education and resource allocation, and prioritize sustainable development.
The cost of inaction is too high. Businesses must recognize that mitigating climate risks is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility—it is essential for long-term profitability and resilience. By adopting innovative solutions, forming strategic partnerships, and embedding sustainability into their core operations, businesses can play a critical role in preventing disasters like LA wildfires. The time to act is now. Together, we can foster a future where communities and ecosystems thrive, and wildfires become a less frequent threat to our collective prosperity.