Don’t Let Wildfires Shut You Down
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Wildfire Season Is Coming—Will Your Business Be Ready?

In both California and Alberta, wildfire season has become a predictable, high-risk reality. For organizations that depend on consistent power and operational uptime, these fire seasons now pose a serious threat—not just to infrastructure, but to the safety of personnel and the bottom line.

At Collicutt Energy Services, we specialize in more than just backup power. We help businesses build comprehensive contingency plans designed for real-world resilience.

The Risks: Downtime, Safety, and Uncertainty

California’s wildfire season now stretches from late spring through fall, often triggering grid instability, rolling blackouts, and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).  Alberta’s season runs from March through October, with peak threats in late spring and summer.

These events can:

  • Halt operations across industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities
  • Compromise communications and safety systems
  • Cause unplanned downtime and financial losses
  • Place employees and infrastructure at risk

The Solution: Resilience Through Preparedness

1. Backup Power Solutions That Perform

Collicutt offers diesel, natural gas, and CHP generator systems designed to match your facility’s energy needs and risk profile.

  • Diesel Generators – Fast-start, high-power output
  • Natural Gas Generators – Cost-effective, lower emissions
  • CHP Systems – Simultaneous heat and electricity generation for high-efficiency needs

We handle site assessments, design, permitting, installation, and commissioning—all tailored to meet local codes and fire safety regulations.

2. Seamless Power Transfer with ATS

Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) ensure a seamless transition between utility and backup power. In the event of a failure, your ATS activates within seconds—keeping your operations online and your equipment protected.

3. Remote Monitoring

Stay informed with cloud-based remote monitoring tools that provide:

  • Fuel level tracking
  • Real-time system health diagnostics
  • Fault alerts and reporting

Collicutt also offers 24/7 remote support to help you act fast when it matters most.

4. Routine Testing and Preventative Maintenance

Without testing, your backup generator is just an expensive placeholder. Collicutt provides scheduled maintenance services that include:

  • Load testing
  • Battery checks and fluid replacements
  • Comprehensive inspections and reporting

5. Full-Scope Safety Preparedness

True resilience includes safeguarding your personnel. We help implement:

  • Emergency lighting and alarms tied to backup power
  • Grid-independent communications systems
  • Stocked emergency supply kits (PPE, water, first aid)
  • Evacuation plans and coordination with local fire authorities

 

The Customer Benefit: Uninterrupted Power, Enhanced Safety

With a Collicutt-engineered contingency plan, you gain:

  • Uninterrupted operations during wildfire-related outages
  • Reduced risk of safety incidents and costly downtime
  • Confidence that your people and assets are protected by proven, reliable emergency power solutions
  • Expert support before, during and after fire season

Your Partner in Wildfire Resilience

Collicutt Energy Services delivers more than generators—we engineer resilience. From backup power to integrated emergency systems, we help businesses operate with confidence through any wildfire season.

Don’t Leave Your Business Exposed.

Contact us today to schedule your wildfire preparedness consultation.

 888.682.6888 |info@collicutt.com

Read for more information on Wildfire Preparedness: How to Prepare for California Wildfire Season

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How to Prepare for California Wildfire Season
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Understanding the Impact of Wildfires on California Infrastructure

California’s wildfire season has proven to be increasingly destructive, with fires causing widespread damage to infrastructure. The impact is felt across various sectors including transportation, utilities, and communications. Roads can be closed, power lines can be downed, and communication networks can be disrupted, making it difficult for emergency services to respond effectively.

Businesses in particular face significant challenges. Hospitals may struggle to provide critical care without power, data centers risk losing valuable information, and old age homes could face life-threatening situations for residents. Childcare centers, business centers, and construction sites also face operational disruptions. Therefore, understanding the full scope of wildfire impacts on infrastructure is crucial for effective preparedness.

Essential Wildfire Preparedness Equipment for Businesses

To mitigate the risks associated with wildfires, businesses must equip themselves with essential preparedness tools. Fire pumps and generators are at the top of this list. Fire pumps help in controlling small fires and preventing them from spreading, giving firefighters a better chance to contain the blaze.

Generators are equally important, ensuring that critical systems (including fire pumps) remain operational during power outages. This is particularly vital for businesses where any disruption in power can have dire consequences. Additionally, businesses should consider investing in smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting to enhance overall safety.

Strategies for Effective Generator and Fire Pump Maintenance

Regular maintenance of generators and fire pumps is essential to ensure they function correctly when needed. Start by scheduling routine inspections and servicing according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes checking fuel levels, testing battery backups, and inspecting all electrical connections.

For fire pumps, ensure that all components such as hoses, nozzles, and valves are in good working condition. Running periodic drills can also help in identifying any potential issues before they become critical. Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also provides peace of mind knowing that your preparedness measures are reliable.

Rental Generator Options: Flexibility in Emergency Preparedness

For businesses that do not own generators, rental options provide a flexible and cost-effective solution. Renting allows businesses to scale their power needs based on the severity of the emergency without incurring the high costs of purchasing and maintaining equipment.

Rental generators come in various sizes and capacities, making it easy to find one that suits your specific requirements. Collicutt Energy can also help with your rental needs with individual generators ranging from 20kW to 2MW with paralleling capabilities up to 10MW.

Creating a Comprehensive Wildfire Preparedness Plan for Your Business

A comprehensive wildfire preparedness plan is essential for safeguarding your business. Start by conducting a risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities. Develop an emergency response plan that includes evacuation routes, communication protocols, and roles and responsibilities for all staff members.

Incorporate regular training sessions and drills to ensure everyone is familiar with the procedures. Stock up on essential supplies such as first-aid kits, water, and non-perishable food items. Establish partnerships with local emergency services and other businesses to create a support network. Seriously consider remote monitoring technology for your backup generators as well.  This will provide real-time data to identify potential maintenance issues. By taking these steps, you can significantly enhance your business’s resilience against wildfires. View power outage maps here.

 

Here are a few more resources on California wildfires:

 

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