Area business leaders learned wildfire preparedness extends far beyond protecting buildings during a June 2 luncheon hosted by the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce at Texas Roadhouse in Monument. A spokesman for the Monument Fire Protection District outlined strategies for business continuity, community support and disaster recovery before the next major wildfire strikes.

Wildfire preparedness is not just a concern for homeowners. It is also a business issue, Jonathan Bradley, Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction for the Monument Fire Protection District, said. Bradley was the featured speaker during the wildfire preparedness luncheon, where he discussed how businesses can prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfire disasters.

One of Bradley’s primary messages focused on business continuity following a disaster.

“A famous statistic for how many small businesses close directly after a disaster is 40 percent,” Bradley said. “Within two years, another 25 percent close.”

Because of those numbers, he said businesses should focus on planning before disaster strikes, including protecting operations, employees, equipment and critical records. Backup systems for important business and insurance documents can help companies recover more quickly following an emergency.

Bradley emphasized wildfire damage is often caused by wind-driven embers rather than flames. He noted approximately 80 percent of structures lost in major wildfires are damaged by embers that can travel up to two miles ahead of the fire front.

To reduce risk, he encouraged businesses to focus on the first five feet surrounding their buildings.

“The 0-to-5-foot immediate zone is the most important,” Bradley said.

Removing combustible landscaping materials and vegetation near structures can significantly improve a building’s chances of surviving a wildfire. Bradley also recommended fire-resistant construction materials, including noncombustible siding, decking and tempered glass windows.

While recent rainfall has temporarily reduced fire danger, Bradley cautioned wildfire remains the region’s greatest hazard.

“The Monument Fire District has determined that wildfire is the biggest threat to this area,” he said. “We can’t tell you when it’s going to happen, but at some point this forest is going to regenerate.”

Bradley encouraged attendees to utilize preparedness resources available through organizations such as the American Red Cross, Ready.gov and FEMA. He also mentioned local emergency notification tools, including El Paso County’s Peak Alerts system and the Monument Fire District’s Community Connect program, which allows businesses and residents to provide important information to first responders before an emergency occurs.

Businesses can also play a role in helping the community during emergencies, Bradley said. Potential contributions include providing emergency supplies, assisting displaced residents, offering logistical support and making facilities available for emergency operations. Large wildfire incidents may require staging areas, command posts and food service support for hundreds of firefighters and emergency personnel.

During the presentation, Bradley discussed Colorado’s new Wildfire Resiliency Code, which takes effect July 1. The code was adopted following the Marshall Fire and will require certain wildfire-resistant building materials and landscaping standards for new construction and qualifying remodel projects.

Those in attendance were given the opportunity to ask questions about forest management and wildfire mitigation. Bradley said dense forests remain one of the community’s greatest wildfire concerns and advocated for significant thinning of overcrowded stands while preserving healthy mature trees.

Bradley also warned against the use of juniper shrubs in landscaping, which “burn like gasoline,” he said.

The discussion concluded with questions about lithium-ion battery fires, which Bradley said are becoming increasingly common. Damaged batteries can enter what firefighters call “thermal runaway,” producing intense fires which are difficult to extinguish and can release toxic gases. He advised residents and businesses to avoid leaving batteries charging unattended and to follow manufacturer safety recommendations.

Throughout the luncheon, Bradley’s message remained consistent; preparation before disaster strikes offers businesses the best chance of protecting property, maintaining operations and recovering successfully when emergencies occur.