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Wildfire season is becoming an annual reality across North America.
From California and the Pacific Northwest to Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and many other regions, wildfires can affect transportation networks, driver safety, and business operations. Even when fires are hundreds of miles away, smoke can travel long distances, creating hazardous air quality and reduced visibility well beyond the fire zone.
For fleet managers, it can be challenging to stay one step ahead. Whether you're responsible for a local service fleet or vehicles operating across multiple states or provinces, proactive planning can help improve fleet driver safety, minimize operational disruption, maintain service continuity, and support business resilience.
Preparing drivers for wildfire conditions requires a lot more than seasonal reminders. It requires ongoing education, proactive maintenance, and reinforcing defensive driving habits that help drivers recognize changing conditions early and adjust their driving accordingly. Here's what every fleet should know.
Wildfires can impact fleets in several ways:
Reduced visibility from wildfire smoke
Poor air quality affecting driver health
Highway closures and detours
Evacuation orders
Increased travel times
Driver fatigue and stress
Unexpected maintenance from heavy smoke and dust
Disrupted deliveries and operations
Conditions can change rapidly, so preparation is just as important as response.
One of the most common questions during wildfire season is:
It depends on the severity of the smoke. Light smoke may simply reduce visibility, while dense smoke can significantly limit sight distance and expose drivers to unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In some cases, visibility can deteriorate with little warning, increasing the risk of collisions. If drivers must travel through smoky conditions, they should:
Slow down and increase following distance.
If you’re on an interstate highway, and immediate refuge is not available, move to the right lane, turn on the emergency flashers and continue at a safe speed. The shoulder of the road on an interstate highway is not a safe place to stop.
Turn on headlights and hazard lights so other drivers can see the vehicle.
Keep windows closed.
Set the vehicle's HVAC system to recirculation mode to reduce smoke entering the cabin.
Avoid unnecessary stops outdoors when air quality is poor and beware of falling debris.
Watch for emergency responders and move safely out of their way.
If authorities advise against travel or roads are closed due to wildfire activity, drivers should never attempt to bypass closures. Drivers should also remember that navigation apps and GPS may not immediately reflect emergency road closures or evacuation zones. Following instructions from emergency responders and transportation authorities, even if they differ from your navigation system, is critical.
Whether supporting emergency response, servicing customers, or operating in wildfire-prone regions, preparation can make a significant difference to fleet driver safety. During wildfire season, fleets should ensure vehicles include:
✓ A full tank of fuel (or sufficient EV charge)
✓ Drinking water
✓ First aid kit
✓ Flashlight
✓ Phone charger
✓ Emergency blanket
✓ N95 respirator for smoky conditions
✓ Printed emergency contact information
✓ Vehicle registration and insurance documents
Fleet managers should make sure the following vehicle components have been inspected:
Cabin air filters
Windshield wipers and washer fluid
HVAC systems
Tires
Emergency roadside kits
For electric vehicles (EVs), consider identifying alternate charging locations before travel, as charging infrastructure may be temporarily unavailable or inaccessible during wildfire events. Preparing vehicles ahead of time helps drivers respond quickly if routes change or evacuations become necessary.
Another common question from fleet operators is: Where can I find alerts for active wildfires affecting highways in Canada and the U.S.? The best sources include official government agencies and transportation authorities.
State Department of Transportation 511 systems
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Fleet managers should encourage drivers to check both wildfire activity and road conditions before departing and throughout the day if traveling long distances.
Technology can help fleets respond more effectively and improve fleet driver safety when conditions change. If fleet routes include driving through wildfire smoke, fleet managers should consider:
Monitoring weather and air quality daily.
Using dynamic route planning when roads close.
Communicating with drivers throughout the day.
Postponing non-essential travel during severe smoke events.
Adjusting schedules when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
Encouraging drivers to report changing conditions immediately.
Connected fleet technologies and telematics can help organizations improve situational awareness by supporting route adjustments, vehicle visibility, and timely communication with drivers as conditions evolve.
Organizations that treat wildfire season like any other operational risk are often better prepared when disruptions occur.
Wildfire season is no longer an isolated event confined to a handful of regions. It's becoming a recurring operational challenge for fleets across North America.
By preparing vehicles, monitoring changing conditions, and giving drivers the tools they need to make informed decisions, organizations can reduce risk while keeping operations moving safely.
Whether it's wildfire season, severe storms, winter weather, or extreme heat, helping organizations protect their drivers and maintain resilient operations is part of building a smarter fleet. At Element, we're committed to helping organizations navigate these evolving risks by sharing practical insights and best practices that support safer, more resilient fleet operations. If you’re looking for a place to start, reach out to our team for help.
Need a simple driver checklist? Download it here.
That depends on local conditions, visibility, air quality, official advisories, and operational needs. Fleet managers should monitor changing conditions throughout the day and prioritize driver safety over maintaining schedules.
While wildfire smoke is unlikely to cause immediate damage, prolonged exposure to heavy smoke and ash can increase vehicle maintenance needs. Fine particles can accumulate in air filtration systems, reduce visibility by coating windshields and sensors, and leave abrasive residue on vehicle surfaces.
If vehicles have been operating in areas affected by heavy smoke or ash, fleet managers should consider inspecting cabin air filters, HVAC systems, and engine air filters on internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles. Cleaning ash from the vehicle exterior and checking cameras and sensors can also help maintain safe operation and reduce unplanned maintenance.
Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the U.S. or the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in Canada. If conditions are rated unhealthy, consider limiting outdoor exposure and adjusting operations where possible.
If a driver is inside a vehicle with their windows closed and recirculation mode enabled, a mask is generally unnecessary; however, drivers who must spend extended periods outdoors in smoky conditions may benefit from wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator.