For many homeowners and business owners, wildfire season can feel like something that only affects communities out West. But as weather patterns shift and communities continue to expand into wooded and grassland areas, the risk is becoming more widespread, and preparation is more important than ever.
With wildfire activity on the rise across the country, we spoke with Justin Marcusson, Vice President of Commercial Lines at Mountain States Insurance Group (a Donegal® member company) for his expertise on this growing risk. Justin shared his insight into why wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, the risks homeowners and business owners often overlook, and the steps they can take to better prepare.
According to Justin, the increase in wildfires isn’t driven by one single cause.
“Wildfires are increasing in both frequency and severity due to a combination of environmental conditions, development, and even certain rules and laws,” he explained.
Environmental factors such as prolonged drought, higher temperatures, reduced snowpack, changing weather patterns, and strong winds all contribute to conditions that allow wildfires to ignite and spread more quickly.
“Strong winds exacerbate the concerns because they can accelerate the fire and make fire suppression more difficult,”
Justin said.
At the same time, continued development has placed more homes and businesses near forests, grasslands, and brush-covered land.
Justin Marcusson
Vice President, Commercial Lines
Mountain States Insurance Group
“Population growth where homes are built near forest, grasslands, or brush-covered land significantly increases exposure,” Justin said. “Many of these properties also have limited access for firefighting due to dense vegetation. That same vegetation can serve as additional fuel, allowing a wildfire to spread more quickly.”
In some communities, local regulations can unintentionally increase wildfire risk by limiting the removal of fallen trees or vegetation, creating additional fuel that allows fires to spread more easily.
The Risk Extends Beyond the Flames
When people think about wildfires, they often picture flames engulfing homes or commercial buildings. In reality, the greatest threats aren’t always so obvious.
“Many property owners focus on the surrounding forest or brush but underestimate the vulnerability of the immediate area around the structure,” Justin said.
Dead vegetation, leaves collecting in gutters, combustible fencing, overgrown landscaping, and deferred maintenance can all make it easier for a home or business to ignite.
“Embers can travel miles ahead of a wildfire and ignite roofs, decks, landscaping, or other combustible materials. That makes properties vulnerable even when the main fire is not nearby.”
For business owners, wildfire exposure goes beyond property damage.
“Wildfire is often viewed solely as a property exposure, when in reality business interruption can be just as significant,” Justin pointed out.
Power outages, road closures, smoke contamination, employee displacement, and supply chain disruptions can all impact operations, even if a business experiences little or no direct fire damage.
“A property that was considered low risk years ago may face significantly greater exposure today due to drought conditions, vegetation growth, nearby development, or changing weather patterns,” Justin added.
Preparation Starts Long Before Fire Season
Creating and maintaining defensible space around structures by removing dead vegetation, trimming trees and shrubs, keeping grass well maintained, and reducing combustible materials near buildings can all help prevent the spread of wildfires.
Families should identify multiple evacuation routes, assemble a go-bag with essential supplies, plan where family members will meet, and make arrangements for pets.
“The goal is to be ready to leave early, not wait until conditions become dangerous,” Justin said.
Businesses should maintain a tested emergency response and business continuity plan, back up critical data, establish employee communication procedures, and identify alternative operating locations.
Don’t Forget About Wildfire Smoke
Even if your home or business isn’t directly threatened by flames, wildfire smoke can still affect your health and daily operations.
Smoke can travel hundreds of miles, and contain fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and pose greater health risks for individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Homeowners can improve indoor air quality by keeping windows and doors closed during smoke events, setting HVAC systems to recirculate indoor air, replacing air filters regularly, using portable air purifiers, and avoiding activities that create additional indoor pollution.
Business owners should monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI), communicate air quality updates with employees, maintain commercial HVAC systems with high-quality filters, and consider providing N95 respirators when outdoor work is unavoidable.
Insurance is an Important Part of Preparedness
Homeowners and business owners should review their insurance coverage with their agent.
Homeowners should review dwelling limits, detached structure coverage, personal property limits, and additional living expense coverage. Business owners should evaluate property values, equipment and inventory limits, business interruption coverage, deductibles, endorsements, exclusions, and coverage limitations.
It is also recommended to maintain photographs or videos of your property, keeping an up-to-date inventory, and storing important documents securely in the cloud or another off-site location.
“Those who invest in wildfire prevention, maintain correct property valuations, and regularly review their coverage with their agent are generally better positioned to recover when a wildfire occurs,” Justin said.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
When asked about the most important wildfire safety advice for homeowners and business owners heading into wildfire season, Justin advised to “be proactive rather
than reactive.”
“Wildfires can develop and spread quickly,” he added. “So preparation is key.”
Whether it’s creating defensible space, developing an emergency response plan, improving indoor air quality during smoke events, or reviewing your insurance coverage, taking steps today can help protect your home, your business, and the people who matter most.
ABOUT Donegal®
Donegal Insurance Group provides property and casualty insurance products through a network of independent agents in 21 states across several regions of the U.S. The group includes Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ: DGICA and DGICB). In several Southwestern states, business is conducted as the Mountain States Insurance Group; and in Michigan, business is conducted as Michigan Insurance. Headquartered in Marietta, Pa., the group has been in the insurance business for more than 130 years.
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Contact:
Karlie Fromm
Corporate Communications Specialist
Donegal Insurance Group
Phone: (800) 877-0600, x7070
karliefromm@donegalgroup.com