In early 2025, a large steel warehouse in the Southwest—spanning more than 30,000 square feet—was completely destroyed by fire. The building was in good condition and equipped with a functioning automatic sprinkler system. Yet none of that was enough.
The blaze didn’t begin inside the structure. It ignited in nearby dry brush during an unusually dry winter, driven by strong winds. Flames raced across open land, caught on wooden materials stored outdoors, and quickly spread to the warehouse itself. Once the fire reached the building, the heat intensity overwhelmed the sprinkler system and caused the roof to fail, resulting in a total loss.
Unfortunately, this scenario is becoming increasingly common. Hotter temperatures, prolonged drought, and stronger winds are expanding wildfire risk into areas once considered safe. Today, nearly one-third of U.S. homes sit in wildland–urban interface zones, and commercial properties are following similar development patterns. In 2024 alone, wildfires destroyed thousands of structures nationwide, including dozens of commercial facilities.
These losses highlight an important reality: internal fire protection systems are only part of the solution. When a fire originates outside, prevention and exterior risk management become the true front line of defense.
Understanding the Most Common External Fire Exposures
To protect commercial properties in high-risk environments, owners must think beyond suppression and focus on reducing ignition and fuel sources. Many of the most dangerous fire hazards exist entirely outside the building.
Common external risks include:
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Dry vegetation such as weeds, brush, and unmanaged grass
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High winds that can carry flames and embers rapidly toward structures
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Combustible materials stored outdoors, including wooden pallets, crates, cardboard, and plastic containers
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Adjacent hazards, such as neighboring properties, rail lines, utility equipment, or transformers
It’s also important to dispel a common misconception: steel buildings are not fireproof. Under extreme heat, steel can lose strength, warp, and collapse. No structure is immune when exposed to sustained external fire conditions.
A Practical 5-Step Approach to Reducing External Fire Risk
Taking proactive steps to manage exterior exposures can significantly improve a property’s ability to withstand fire events. The following best practices can help reduce risk and improve resilience.
1. Remove Combustible Materials Near Buildings
Avoid keeping flammable items—such as wooden pallets or plastic storage containers—close to your facility. Pay special attention to covered areas like loading docks, overhangs, and breezeways, where fire can spread unnoticed. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, position it well away from structures with clear separation.
2. Create and Maintain Defensible Space
Regularly clear brush, weeds, and debris around your property. Keep landscaping trimmed and maintain clean buffer zones around buildings, fence lines, and access points. A well-managed perimeter can slow or stop fire before it reaches your structure.
3. Rethink Vehicle and Equipment Parking
Avoid parking trucks, trailers, or fleet vehicles directly against buildings, especially overnight. Designate parking areas that allow sufficient spacing to reduce the chance of fire spreading between vehicles and structures.
4. Keep Detection and Alarm Systems Current
While detection systems can’t prevent an external fire, they play a critical role in early warning. Ensure fire alarms and detection equipment are installed properly, tested regularly, and compliant with current codes to provide valuable response time.
5. Look Beyond Your Property Line
Fire risk doesn’t stop at your fence. Monitor neighboring properties for unmanaged vegetation, trash accumulation, or hazardous storage. When possible, coordinate with adjacent property owners to address shared risks and improve overall area safety.
Prevention Is the Strongest Protection
Insurance can help soften the financial blow after a loss, but it cannot replace operations, inventory, or time. The most effective strategy is preventing a fire from reaching your building in the first place.
By identifying and addressing external fire hazards—long before flames approach—business owners can significantly reduce exposure, protect critical assets, and strengthen long-term operational resilience in an increasingly fire-prone environment.
The fire you never let reach your property is the loss you never have to recover from.
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