California Wildfires: 2020 and 2021

While wildfire season does not have a set start date, wildfires typically increase in the hotter summer and fall months. Wildfires are common in states like Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina, but more acres have been burned by wildfires in California than any other state. The 2020 wildfire season was the worst in state history for California and more than 1 million acres burned. California wildfires can pose a particular risk to cannabis businesses whose valuable crops rely on specific conditions to grow.

Effects of California Wildfires

In 2020, severe wildfires struck the counties of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, and Lake County. Wildfires also hit the Emerald Triangle, including the counties of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity. Cannabis cultivation is common in these counties, and cannabis crops can be reduced or eliminated by the consistent heat during fires. Additionally, wildfires can spread smoke and toxic fumes, which place a major strain on cannabis crops. Smoke may also contain pesticides and heavy chemicals, such as lead and arsenic, which may pollute or contaminate the cannabis plants. While some cannabis businesses experienced losses in 2020, most were able to salvage their crops. The 2020 wildfire season should stand as a warning about the dangers of wildfires and the importance of wildfire preparedness for future seasons.

Wildfire Preparation and Response for Cannabis Businesses

Although most cannabis business owners and cultivators prepare for natural disasters, wildfires can be unpredictable and can have varying effects on cannabis crops. In order to prepare for a potential wildfire, business owners should:

Prepare an emergency supply kit
Remove fire hazards around the business or property, including debris, dried leaves, paints, or chemicals
Plant fire-retardent plants
Ensure building sprinklers, smoke detectors, and fire alarms are operational
Conduct regular fire evacuation drills and fire safety instruction
Ensure a diagram of the evacuation plan is posted in all work areas

If a wildfire is in the area or is approaching the business or property and there is time to prepare and evacuate, business owners should do the following:

Close all windows and doors to all buildings on the property
Cover vents, windows, and other openings with duct tape and/or precut pieces of plywood
Turn off all propane or natural gas
Ensure all valuables, including cannabis products, are stored in the vault or safe or moved to a safe off-site location with the approval of the Bureau of Cannabis Control
Ensure all employees, customers, and visitors have evacuated from the property

Wildfire Preparation and Response for Cannabis Cultivators

Unlike a traditional business, cannabis cultivators have live plants which are more difficult to protect from fires and more susceptible to damage from heat and smoke. When wildfires have been reported in the area, cannabis cultivators should consistently monitor their trajectory and spread. To protect outdoor crops, cannabis cultivators may cover plants using tents or tarps.

If a cannabis crop or product has been exposed to fire or extreme heat, the product needs to be carefully examined so that it does not fail the required lab tests that are determined by the state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control. If the examined product does not pass, it must be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations to ensure it is not consumed.

One way to prepare for wildfires is to consult with the local fire department to discuss ways to protect different types of properties from fire damage. 2021 has already seen its fair share of wildfires – over 12,000 acres of California have already burned compared to the average of 8,000 acres for this time of year. Although the severity and damage caused by California wildfires can be unpredictable, there are still ways that cannabis business owners and cultivators can prepare that may reduce damages.

How can Sapphire Risk help?

Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has over 30 years of security experience and expertise. We have written hundreds of emergency preparedness plans and offer risk assessments of high-risk businesses following emergency situations or robberies. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with medical marijuana industry updates!