Security leaders are facing a wildfire season that is breaking records. According to National Fire News | National Interagency Fire Center, more than 31,000 wildfires (a 7.8% increase from last year) have ignited year to date through June 5, 2026, nationwide, burning nearly 2.5 million acres. In California alone, Cal Fire reports 2,087 fires, over 60,000 acres burned, and over 265,000 emergency responses YTD. Drought conditions, dry air, and strong winds have created a perfect storm that fuels wildfire conditions.
Physical security teams are no longer just protectors of property—they’re partners in wildfire resilience. Prioritizing early detection and hazard monitoring allows teams to identify threats before they escalate. When conditions shift, security leaders must be ready to trigger emergency response protocols and coordinate swiftly and seamlessly with local agencies.
During active incidents, security professionals play a critical role in crowd control, perimeter security, and evacuation assistance to keep people safe. Protecting people, business and property assets, and maintaining clear communication with emergency services, ensures continuity and reduces chaos.
As wildfire activity intensifies, proactive security operations aren’t optional; they’re mission‑critical. Strengthening your team’s readiness today will define your organization’s resilience tomorrow.
“Effective wildfire preparedness for security officers requires vigilance, speed, and empowerment. While our officers are not expected to fight wildfires, we recognize the critical role they play in early detection and supporting evacuation efforts. Many of our officers work in remote areas prone to wildfires and training them to detect fires early helps protect our teams, our clients, and the surrounding communities. Most importantly, we understand that hesitation can have devastating consequences in fast-moving wildfire conditions, which is why we empower our officers to sound the alarm early and act decisively,” stated Brad Lauer, Senior Vice President of Operations, Inter-Con Security.