Wildfires and Insured Property Damage Claims

A prolonged drought in large portions of the Western United States has made for explosive wildfire conditions in many states.  California has already been especially hard hit, but even states such as Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico have already experienced an active wildfire season.

Flames from wildfires destroy many homes and businesses each year.  These structures are often burnt to the ground leaving little more than a foundation in their wake.  However, this obvious damage is not the only harm caused to buildings by wildfires. Many homes and businesses, which can be miles away from a wildfire, can also be impacted by smoke and soot residues. 

Wildfires produce a tremendous amount of smoke that can be carried for many miles by the prevalent winds.  This smoke is made up of a number of combustion by-products that may include ash, soot, char and other materials.  These materials can infiltrate a structure and leave behind unpleasant odors and residues which may cause corrosion, etching and discoloration within the property.

“Smoke damage can even cause indoor air and environmental quality concerns that could impact the health of building occupants and even lower property values,” said Tom Allen from Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC. “While property insurance may cover damage due to smoke and soot residue, it is often left to the property owner to provide proof of damages.  At Hudson Douglas, our public adjusters understand that damage due to smoke and soot is not always obvious at first glance.  Our insurance claims and building science experts can provide clients with odor, smoke and soot residue testing services when necessary to prove damages to the insurance carrier.” 

For people living in areas that are subject to wildfires, it is important that they have their homes and businesses properly insured and for an adequate amount of coverage to be able to rebuild in the event of a wildfire.  Fortunately, fire damage to a building’s structure and interior, along with personal belongings, are covered under most standard insurance policies.