Authored by Sara Weathers

Wildfire season is growing longer, more intense, and more disruptive across many parts of the country. Even firms located outside traditionally high-risk regions are feeling the effects through power outages, poor air quality, evacuations, and operational disruptions.

Preparation is essential for law firms. Wildfires can disrupt operations and client service even without directly damaging your office.

Why Wildfires Are a Growing Risk for Law Firms

Wildfires can create:

• Office closures and evacuation orders
• Power and internet outages
• Smoke damage to property and equipment
• Delayed court deadlines and disrupted communication
• Limited access to files and systems

For plaintiff firms operating on contingency revenue, even brief downtime can cause financial strain.

Review Property Insurance Coverage

Make sure your property policy accurately reflects:

• Office buildouts and tenant improvements
• Furniture, technology, and equipment
• Current replacement costs

Firms should also review deductibles, exclusions, and business interruption coverage before peak wildfire season.

Strengthen Business Continuity Plans

Ask yourself:

• Can your team work remotely if the office is inaccessible?
• Are critical files stored securely in the cloud?
• Do employees know emergency communication procedures?

Establishing a plan before an emergency minimizes disruption.

Protect Data & Technology

Wildfires often cause power outages and system interruptions. Firms should:

• Regularly back up data
• Test recovery systems
• Ensure cloud platforms are accessible remotely
• Use surge protection for office equipment

Operational resilience is just as important as physical protection.

Prepare for Air Quality & Safety Issues

Smoke and poor air quality can affect employees even if a fire is not nearby. Firms may need to:

• Adjust in-office staffing
• Improve HVAC filtration systems
• Allow temporary remote work arrangements

Employee safety must remain a priority during severe conditions.

Don’t Overlook Business Interruption Coverage

Prolonged operational downtime is a significant risk during wildfire season. Business interruption coverage can help replace lost income and cover ongoing expenses during recovery.

Review whether your current limits reflect:

• Today’s operating expenses
• Realistic recovery timelines
• Potential relocation costs

Wildfire season is no longer only a regional concern; it is an operational risk law firms must take seriously.

By reviewing insurance coverage, strengthening continuity plans, and preparing technology systems in advance, firms can better protect their people, operations, and long-term stability during wildfire-related disruptions.