Is Your Outdoor Adventure Business Ready for Wildfire Season? A Critical Look for Western US Operators

The roar of a wildfire is a sound no business owner wants to hear, especially those whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the natural beauty of the Western United States. For outdoor adventure businesses—guide services, hunting outfitters, mountain biking and kayaking tours, fishing charters, climbing schools, hiking and backpacking companies, off-roading excursions, and horseback riding stables—wildfire isn't just a threat; it's a potential catastrophe that can derail operations, endanger lives, and devastate years of hard work.

This isn't a drill. Wildfires are an undeniable reality, and their frequency and intensity are increasing. Proactive assessment and planning are no longer optional—they are absolutely essential for the survival and continuity of your business. It's time to ask the tough questions and create robust strategies to protect your property, your employees, and most importantly, your clients.

Beyond Your Property Line: A Holistic View of Risk

When we talk about wildfire risk assessment, many immediately think of their physical business location: the office, the gear shed, the vehicles. And while property protection is vital, for an outdoor adventure business, your "property" extends far beyond your immediate footprint. It encompasses every trail, every river, every mountain pass where you guide clients.

Have you assessed the areas and wilderness where you conduct your activities? This is a critical question. Knowing the fire history of these locations, understanding fuel types, identifying potential escape routes, and recognizing natural fire breaks are all integral parts of a comprehensive risk assessment. What are the common wind patterns in these areas during fire season? Where are the closest fire stations and emergency services? Are there any communities or infrastructure nearby that could become chokepoints during an evacuation?

The Human Element: Safety First

The safety of your employees and clients must be your absolute top priority. It's not just about compliance; it's about ethical responsibility and the reputation of your business. A single incident can have devastating and long-lasting consequences.

Do you monitor weather and current fire conditions diligently? This goes beyond a glance at the local forecast. Do you have systems in place to receive real-time updates from official sources like the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), local fire departments, and land management agencies (e.g., Forest Service, BLM)? Are you subscribed to emergency alerts and warnings for all the areas where you operate? Understanding red flag warnings, air quality alerts, and fire danger ratings should be as routine as checking your booking schedule.

Do you have plans to safely evacuate your employees and clientele in case of a wildfire? This requires detailed, actionable plans, not just vague notions.

• Pre-determined Evacuation Routes: Have primary and secondary (and even tertiary) evacuation routes identified for every location you operate in.

• Communication Protocols: How will you communicate with your teams in the field? What are the contingency plans if cell service is down? Satellite phones, two-way radios, and pre-arranged check-in procedures are crucial.

• Client Manifests: Do you have accurate and up-to-date client manifests, including emergency contact information and any medical needs, readily accessible?

• Rendezvous Points: Establish clear, safe rendezvous points away from fire-affected areas.

• Training: Are your guides and employees thoroughly trained in these evacuation procedures? Do they know how to navigate in smoky conditions, and how to make critical decisions under pressure? Regular drills are not overkill; they are essential.

Business Continuity: Surviving and Thriving Post-Wildfire

Wildfires can shut down vast areas of public lands for extended periods. This directly impacts your ability to operate, even if your physical property is untouched.

Have you identified places where you can continue to conduct business if your usual spots are closed or not safe due to wildfire?

This requires creative thinking and proactive relationship building. Can you partner with businesses in other regions that are less susceptible to wildfire? Are there alternative, less fire-prone areas you can shift operations to temporarily? This might involve exploring different types of adventures or modifying your offerings. Having a "Plan B" (and C and D) is vital for maintaining revenue streams and keeping your business afloat.

What are your booking policies surrounding wildfire?

Transparency and fairness here are paramount. Clearly communicate your policies regarding cancellations, postponements, and refunds due to wildfire activity. This builds trust with your clients and protects your business from disputes. Consider offering flexible rebooking options or credits for future trips. Do you have travel insurance recommendations for your clients? What about business interruption insurance for your own operations?

The Urgent Call to Action

These are not hypothetical questions. These are real, immediate concerns that demand your attention now, before the smoke is on the horizon. The time to assess your wildfire risk is not when a fire is bearing down on your community; it's today.

Ignoring these risks is not only irresponsible; it's a direct threat to the longevity and profitability of your outdoor adventure business. By proactively addressing wildfire risks, you are not only safeguarding your assets but, more importantly, protecting the lives of your employees and the unforgettable experiences of your clients. Take action now—your business depends on it.