What LA Wildfires Teach Us About Resilience: Lessons for Business Continuity

Technology’s Role in the Fight Against LA Wildfires: Lessons in Resilience

As someone who works day in and day out ensuring businesses stay operational through crises, I’ve been deeply struck by how technology is shaping the response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. At Sierra Miles Group, LLC , where we specialize in IT consulting and business continuity planning, we often talk about the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. The wildfires tearing through California are a stark reminder of how critical reliable systems and proactive solutions are—not just for businesses but for entire communities.

Watch Duty: A Case Study in Crisis Communication

One of the most powerful examples of technology aiding resilience is the Watch Duty app. Built to give Californians real-time updates during wildfire emergencies, the app provides fire maps, evacuation alerts, air quality reports, and wind direction in a user-friendly format. What makes it stand out is the team behind it: over 200 volunteers and 15 full-time employees monitoring emergency transponder broadcasts to deliver accurate, immediate updates.

Since the fires began on January 7th, Watch Duty has been downloaded over 2 million times and has served 14 million unique users. That’s an incredible reach—and it shows the value of having a reliable, well-maintained system in place when disaster strikes. For me, this underscores a lesson I share with my clients: investing in systems that deliver consistent, real-time information during a crisis can be the difference between success and failure.

In business, as in emergencies, clarity and speed matter. Just like the Watch Duty app connects people to lifesaving information, having a strong IT framework ensures your team has access to the tools and data they need when every second counts.

AI and Early Detection: Technology Saves Lives

While apps like Watch Duty are critical for keeping people informed, new advancements in AI are helping prevent fires from spreading in the first place. The ALERTCalifornia project, for example, uses a network of over 1,140 AI-powered cameras to monitor fire-prone areas in real-time. These systems don’t just detect smoke—they analyze conditions and alert responders before fires grow out of control.

Recently, this technology helped Orange County firefighters contain a vegetation fire to less than a quarter-acre. Similarly, startups like Pano AI are providing first responders with faster fire confirmations and precise location data, allowing for quicker intervention.

As an IT consultant, I see a lot of parallels here to business continuity planning. The same principles apply: identify potential threats early, monitor them closely, and have a plan to act decisively. Whether it’s wildfires or cybersecurity breaches, early detection and quick response are the keys to minimizing damage.

At Sierra Miles Group, we often help businesses implement tools like proactive monitoring systems, which flag issues before they snowball into major problems. Just as AI cameras are reshaping wildfire response, modern IT solutions can transform how organizations stay resilient in the face of disruption.

The Cost of Unpreparedness

The human and economic toll of these fires is staggering. As of January 12th, over 10,000 structures have been destroyed, more than 153,000 residents have been evacuated, and the financial losses could surpass $50 billion. Unfortunately, the impacts extend far beyond what any single tool or piece of technology can address.

The same is true in business. I’ve seen firsthand how devastating it can be when organizations lack proper disaster recovery plans or fail to invest in reliable infrastructure. Fires, floods, cyberattacks—whatever the threat, the cost of unpreparedness is always higher than the cost of prevention.

This is why at Sierra Miles Group, LLC we focus on building systems that don’t just work when everything is running smoothly but can also adapt and endure when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s setting up cloud backups, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, or designing a full disaster recovery plan, the goal is always the same: keep the wheels turning no matter what.

Lessons from the Fires: Technology as a Lifeline

The LA wildfires remind us how critical it is to combine advanced technology with thoughtful planning. Whether it’s a volunteer-driven app like Watch Duty or an AI-powered detection system, these tools demonstrate what’s possible when we leverage technology to protect lives and livelihoods.

For businesses, the takeaway is clear: resilience isn’t just a buzzword. It’s about building systems that anticipate problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and ensure continuity in the face of disruption. At Sierra Miles Group, we help organizations in Reno, NV, and beyond achieve that kind of resilience every day.

As California continues to battle these fires, let’s take a moment to appreciate the role technology plays—not just in responding to crises but in preparing for them. Whether you’re managing a business, running a household, or coordinating emergency response, the tools you rely on today could be the lifeline you need tomorrow.