Fleet preparedness is about more than keeping vehicles on a maintenance schedule. It also means planning for environmental exposure while those vehicles are parked. In a contributed article published by Fleet Management Weekly, Ken Huening, CEO of CoverSeal, explores why wildfire ash deserves a place in that planning.
The article, Wildfire Ash is a Growing and Costly Threat for Vehicle Fleets, discusses prevention, cleanup, and inspection as parts of a coordinated response. It is Huening's contributed perspective, not an independent test or certification of CoverSeal products.
Read Ken Huening's full wildfire-ash article in Fleet Management Weekly.
Think beyond the immediate fire
Huening's article draws attention to ash remaining on parked vehicles after a wildfire. He discusses potential effects on exterior surfaces and vulnerable components, and the maintenance burden that can follow when multiple fleet vehicles are exposed.
For fleet operators, the central takeaway is to plan for both exposure and recovery, rather than treating ash as an ordinary layer of dust.
Make protected parking part of the plan
The article prioritizes moving vehicles indoors or into protected areas before ash falls, when practical. It also discusses purpose-built covers as an additional barrier where protected parking is unavailable.
A cover is not a substitute for relocating out of danger, following evacuation instructions, or protecting people first. This post makes no claim that a vehicle cover is fireproof, safe in direct flames, or suitable for contact with hot embers. Choose equipment according to its verified specifications and manufacturer instructions.
Plan for cleanup and inspection
Huening cautions against dry-brushing ash from a vehicle and emphasizes careful cleaning and attention to areas that may be missed during a routine wash. He also discusses inspecting filters, engine compartments, brakes, and other vulnerable components after exposure.
Use your vehicle manufacturer's guidance and qualified maintenance professionals to determine the appropriate cleaning and inspection process. Fleet readiness depends on the vehicle's condition, not just its exterior appearance.
Prepare before an event
The contributed article encourages fleet managers to establish an ash-response plan in advance. Its suggestions include identifying protected parking, planning cover fitment for different vehicle types, defining inspection procedures, and preparing maintenance supplies.
Our takeaway is that protection works best as a coordinated process. Parking decisions, suitable equipment, and post-exposure maintenance should be considered together rather than as isolated steps.
Read the complete Fleet Management Weekly article
We're pleased to contribute to the fleet industry's discussion of preparedness and asset care. For Huening's complete perspective, read Wildfire Ash is a Growing and Costly Threat for Vehicle Fleets.
Source: Ken Huening, CEO of CoverSeal, Fleet Management Weekly, September 2026. Accessed November 6, 2026. This post summarizes selected themes in our own words. It does not reproduce the source's wildfire statistics or present its cover-related statements as independent product testing.
