As wildfires have become more frequent and destructive in recent years, their threat to institutional and commercial facilities has become a growing concern for facility managers involved in ensuring their buildings’ resilience. What areas of the country are in the crosshairs for wildfires? A recent study is giving managers insight into the wildfire threat level to their facilities, occupants, assets and operations.
The study by researchers at LendingTree, a national company that studies issues related to housing, offers these findings:
Nationally, wildfires are up 17 annually. Wildfires increased from 58,968 in 2021 to 68,988 in 2022. By state, Arkansas experienced the biggest increase, at a significant 403.4 percent. Alabama and Connecticut followed.
California, Florida and Texas have the highest wildfire risk. California has expected annual losses from wildfires totaling $1.4 billion. Florida and Texas are next at $269.3 million and $240.3 million, respectively.
Texas has the highest expected annual economic losses due to wildfire casualties and injuries. With $11.1 million, Texas is the only state above $10 million, with Montana and California finishing second and third. Sixteen states have more than $1 million in expected annual economic losses due to wildfire casualties and injuries.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
