As wildfires become more frequent and intense across many regions, the hospitality industry is increasingly on the front lines of emergency response and community recovery.
From hotels to golf resorts, spas, and destination venues, properties in fire-prone areas must be proactive in protecting guests, employees, and infrastructure.
How Wildfires Impact the Hospitality Industry
Hospitality properties play a critical role in both disaster response and recovery. When wildfires strike, hotels and other
facilities are often called upon to serve as emergency shelters, relief coordination hubs, and temporary housing for evacuees and emergency personnel. Being prepared not only protects your business—it allows you to serve your community when it matters most
The Role of Hotels and Resorts During Wildfires
- Emergency Shelter for Displaced Residents: Hotels can provide safe, short-term accommodation with essential amenities when homes are lost or inaccessible.
- Lodging for First Responders: Firefighters, medical teams, and utility workers need local housing during prolonged emergency operations.
- Support for Relief Operations: Hospitality venues often offer ideal staging grounds for emergency response teams. Conference rooms, ballrooms, and banquet halls can serve as command centers, distribution points, or communication hubs.
- Temporary Housing During Recovery: After the flames are out, many residents and workers still need housing as they rebuild. Hospitality venues can fill this gap for weeks or even months.
Being selected as an emergency relief hotel is both a responsibility and a business opportunity—but preparation is key.
Download Our Disaster Relief Checklist for Hospitality Properties
Whether you run a hotel, golf course, spa, or resort, being ready for wildfire season is critical to protecting your guests, your staff, and your business. Use our free, comprehensive Wildfire Preparedness Checklist to get your property ready before disaster strikes
✅ [Download the Disaster Relief Checklist Now]
Key Wildfire Preparation Steps for Hospitality Businesses
Here’s a preview of the proactive steps every hospitality property should take:
- Create and communicate a wildfire emergency and evacuation plan for all staff.
- Clearly identify evacuation routes and safe assembly areas.
- Keep employee emergency contact info updated and accessible.
- Conduct regular wildfire safety and fire extinguisher training for all staff.
- Remove flammable debris and maintain a defensible perimeter around your buildings.
- Review and update your insurance coverage to reflect wildfire-related risks.
- Prepare emergency supply kits stocked with water, food, first-aid, respirators, and other essentials—plan for at least 3 days of support for full staff and occupancy.
- Back up business-critical data and store it securely off-site or in the cloud.
- Secure an alternate operating location in case of evacuation.
- Develop a reliable communication plan for staff, suppliers, and guests.
- Inspect and maintain fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and other suppression equipment.
- Monitor official wildfire alerts and local emergency guidance regularly.
- Install or upgrade smoke filtration and ventilation systems to protect indoor air quality.
- Establish clear shutdown and lockdown protocols for securing your property in an emergency.
Enhance Your Emergency Response with Training
Bow Valley Safety offers expert-led training programs to prepare your hospitality team for wildfire threats and other emergencies:
Don't wait for the next evacuation order. Prepare your team and your property today.