The rising risk of wildfires – And the impact on business travelers

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NEW YORK – Sixty-two percent of business travelers worry about natural disasters when they travel, according to a recent global survey of 2,000 respondents. Among these risks, wildfires are emerging as one of the most unpredictable and fast-growing threats – with countries such as the United States, Chile, Australia, Canada, and Greece now frequently affected.

New data from World Travel Protection, in collaboration with intelligence provider Riskline, reveals a sharp rise in wildfires globally. The company’s Travel Assist app, which delivers real-time alerts to travelers on the road, recorded an 84% increase in wildfire alerts from 2023 to 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, the number of wildfire alerts was already nearly four times higher than during the same period in 2024.

Depending on terrain, wind, and weather, wildfires can move at speeds of up to 14 miles per hour. In 2024 alone, fires scorched nearly 1.9 million hectares (4.7 million acres) across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

As wildfires approach, air quality can deteriorate rapidly, and roads may close with little or no warning. These situations can escalate rapidly, often leaving travelers with limited time to react. According to Frank Harrison, Security Director, Americas, at World Travel Protection, wildfire-related assistance cases can range from managing travel disruptions and securing medical support, to executing full-scale evacuations in extreme cases.

“What we’re seeing with wildfires is that seasonality is breaking down,” said Harrison. “These fires are no longer confined to historically high-risk zones. Regions once considered low risk are now seeing frequent and intense wildfire activity. As the season grows longer, more severe, and less predictable, the need for proactive safety measures has never been more urgent.” He added: “2025 may be the most extreme wildfire year yet – demanding immediate focus on emergency preparedness, and regional risk monitoring.”

What can companies and business travelers do to protect themselves?

The increasing unpredictability of wildfires presents a major challenge for global mobility and duty of care obligations. Traditional risk assessments are no longer enough.

Here are five key steps for businesses to mitigate wildfire risk for employees on the move:

1. Source Accurate, Local Information: Encourage travelers to check local news, weather updates, and government sources, and not rely solely on social media for critical alerts. Travelers should listen to official alerts, warnings, and evacuation instructions from local authorities and be aware that these can change rapidly during wildfires. They should be ready to act immediately, as wildfire situations can escalate quickly and may require urgent evacuation with little or no warning.
2. Monitor and Prepare: Track weather advisories and evolving travel restrictions in fire-prone areas. Set up a comprehensive alert system that notifies employees of potential threats in real time. Equip employees with travel risk management apps, like World Travel Protection’s Travel Assist app, that deliver real-time, location-specific alerts, provide safety tips, and offer two-way communication in emergencies. Ensure employees are trained to use them.
3. Identify and Support Medical Vulnerabilities: Employees with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD are at greater risk in areas affected by wildfire smoke and poor air quality. Before travel, identify any underlying medical conditions that may require additional support or contingency planning. Ensure affected individuals have access to necessary medications, understand how to monitor air quality, and know when to seek medical help. Where appropriate, adjust travel plans to minimize exposure.
4. Create an Emergency Travel Plan: Establish a clear emergency protocol covering evacuation routes, communication channels, and health guidance related to smoke and air quality. Communicate these plans before departure.
5. Develop a Crisis Communications Strategy: Be ready to manage business continuity and reputational risks if an employee is caught in a wildfire – especially important for high-profile or executive travelers.

“By actively monitoring risks, preparing emergency plans, and leveraging technology, companies can better protect their people while fulfilling duty of care obligations,” said Harrison. “In this rapidly changing environment, organizations must lead the way – not just reacting to crises, but planning ahead to ensure resilience and business continuity.”

Tags: Frank Harrison,  World Travel Protection