How a Construction Company Recovered Quickly After a Fire

A real example of disaster recovery, business continuity, and tested backups working when it mattered most.

This case study shows how a construction management firm restored critical systems, recovered data, and stayed operational after a building fire disrupted its workplace.

Talk With an IT & Security Expert

Client Snapshot

  • Industry: Construction Management (Heavy Civil & Energy Projects)
  • Location: Aurora, Ontario (projects across Canada and the U.S.)
  • Team Size: ~20 employees
  • Critical Need: Stay operational and run payroll after a sudden building fire

The Challenge

When the server room went down, the business had to keep moving

In 2018, a fire broke out in the client’s office building. Firefighters were on site, water damage was extensive, and the server room was unusable.

The timing could not have been worse. It was payroll day, a deadline the company had never missed.

With all systems running on on-prem servers, the business faced:

  • No access to core applications
  • No access to payroll systems
  • No clear timeline for insurance or hardware recovery

This was no longer just an IT issue. It was a business continuity crisis.

The Solution

A tested recovery plan turned a crisis into a fast restore

Because disaster recovery planning had already been done and tested, Foundation BTS did not need to guess or scramble.

Within 45 minutes, the team:

  • Restored the client’s servers in the cloud from verified backups
  • Provided secure remote access to the CFO
  • Enabled payroll to be run remotely while emergency crews were still on site

Instead of waiting weeks for damaged hardware to be assessed through insurance, the firm continued operating from the cloud for several months with no interruption to projects or deadlines.

Foundation BTS also assisted with the temporary office transition, helping the team get set up and working from a new location while the original office was unavailable.

The Results

Operations stayed steady, even after the fire

  • Payroll ran on time with no disruption to employees
  • Minimal downtime despite complete loss of the server room
  • Business operations continued while insurance delays were resolved
  • Projects stayed on track across multiple regions
  • A real-world proof that tested disaster recovery plans work

Key Takeaway

Disaster recovery only matters when it is put to the test

Plans and backups mean very little if they fail under real pressure.

In this situation, tested backups, a clear recovery plan, and calm execution turned a potential shutdown into a manageable disruption.

The business kept operating and paying employees at a moment when it mattered most.

Disasters do not come with warnings

A tested recovery plan can be the difference between a temporary disruption and a business shutdown.

Talk With an IT and Security Expert

No pressure. Just a clear conversation about your recovery readiness.