In early 2025, a large steel warehouse in the Southwest was completely destroyed by a fire that started outside the building. Despite being well maintained and equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, the 30,000-square-foot warehouse and everything inside it were lost.
The blaze began in dry brush near the building and was quickly fueled by strong winds and unusually dry winter conditions. Flames spread fast, igniting wooden crates stored outside before reaching the warehouse. The fire grew so intense that the sprinklers couldn’t keep up, and the roof eventually collapsed from the extreme heat.
Fires like this are becoming more common as dry weather, higher temperatures, and strong winds increase the risk, especially in areas where homes and businesses are close to wildland. Nearly one-third of all housing in the lower 48 states is now in these high-risk zones, and commercial buildings are also being affected. Last year alone, wildfires destroyed over 4,500 structures, including 80 commercial buildings.
This event highlights an important fact: internal fire systems, like sprinklers, are only one part of fire safety. External factors such as dry plants, outdoor storage of flammable materials, and neighboring properties can play a big role in how fires start and spread.
To reduce the risk, building owners are encouraged to clear dry brush and weeds around their property, avoid keeping combustible items like wooden pallets near buildings, and maintain safe parking areas. It’s also important to regularly update fire detection systems and work with neighbors to manage shared risks.
Steel buildings are often thought to resist fire better, but they can still fail when temperatures get high. Taking steps to control fire hazards outside the building can make a real difference in protecting property and operations.
While insurance can help cover damage after a fire, preventing one is the best way to protect a business from loss.