When Wildfire Smoke Clears, the Paperwork Begins

Wildfires do not just damage buildings. They leave you with a claims problem: your insurance company will pay based on what you can prove, not only on what happened. If you do not document your fire and smoke damage clearly, you may recover less than you need to rebuild.

Most property owners are not taught how to prove a loss. Questions come up fast:

– How many photos are enough?
– What should I record first?
– What if I already started cleaning and threw things away?

This guide keeps things simple. It explains:

– The basic steps to document a wildfire loss
– Your main options for handling documentation
– When you should take action on your own and when to ask for help
– How and when to contact Disaster Adjusting for a claim review

As a public adjusting firm based in Colorado, Disaster Adjusting can review what you have, fill gaps, and help manage the claim process at any stage.

The Problem: Proving Your Loss After a Wildfire

After a wildfire, it is natural to start cleaning right away. But if you clean before you document, it becomes harder to prove what burned, what was damaged by smoke or water, and what it will cost to fix.

Insurance companies rely on evidence:

– Photos and video of damage
– Lists of what you owned and what it was worth
– Receipts, estimates, and records

If that evidence is weak or incomplete, you may face delays, low offers, or disputes.

Your Main Options

You have three basic options for handling documentation:

1. Do It Yourself using a simple, step-by-step system (like the one in this article).
2. Get Help From Friends or Family if you are overwhelmed or physically unable to do it alone.
3. Hire a Public Adjuster, such as Disaster Adjusting, to manage the property loss assessment, documentation, and claim negotiation for you.

You can move between these options. Many people start on their own and then bring in a public adjuster when the claim becomes complicated or the insurer pushes back.

When to Take Action

Timing matters. You should act:

– As Soon as Officials Say It Is Safe to Enter: start taking photos and video before moving or throwing anything away.
– Before Major Repairs Begin: document conditions first, then repair.
– When the Insurance Company Questions Your Documentation or Makes a Low Offer: this is a good time to call a public adjuster.
– If You Already Cleaned Without Documenting: do not wait. Start documenting what remains and gather any older photos or records.

If you feel stuck at any of these points, Disaster Adjusting can step in to review your file and advise on next steps.

Start with Safety and Timing Before You Take Photos

Before anything else, make sure it is safe to enter. Only go in after fire officials say it is safe. Even then, watch for:

– Structural damage, sagging roofs, weak floors
– Hot spots or smoldering areas
– Exposed nails, broken glass, and sharp debris
– Hazardous materials, especially in garages or workshops
– Poor air quality, which might call for masks or respirators

Once it is safe, Start Documenting Early, Before Moving or Throwing Anything Away. This is not about perfection. It is about capturing a clear snapshot of your property right after the wildfire so your insurer can see what happened.

If you already started cleaning, you are not alone. You can still:

– Document what remains, including any visible damage
– Take photos of repaired areas and keep receipts for cleaning and temporary repairs
– Use older photos, videos, and real estate listings to show what your property looked like before

Visual Evidence That Helps You: Photos, Video, and Drone Images

One common question is, “How many photos should I take?” For most wildfire claims, a handful is not enough. Plan on Dozens to Hundreds over the course of your property loss assessment.

For photos, keep it simple and aim for three levels of detail:

– Wide Shots of each room to show the overall condition
– Medium Shots of damaged sections of walls, ceilings, floors, and contents
– Close-Ups of individual items, burn patterns, smoke staining, and serial numbers

Outside, photograph the property from every side. Include:

– Roof, gutters, and chimneys
– Siding, windows, and doors
– Decks, porches, and railings
– Landscaping, driveways, fences, sheds, and outbuildings

Focus on anything showing impact from fire, smoke, or firefighting efforts, such as:

– Smoke damage, soot, and ash buildup
– Warped or cracked materials, blistered paint, and melted items
– Broken or fogged glass and damaged window seals
– Water damage, stains, and warped flooring or cabinets from firefighting

Video helps capture context. Slowly walk through each room, narrating as you go. Say the room name, what used to be there, roughly what things cost, and when you bought them. Pan across ceilings, walls, floors, closets, cabinets, and storage spaces.

Drone images can be helpful when:

– The roof is visibly damaged or hard to access
– The terrain is steep or the structure is unsafe to approach closely
– You have a large property with multiple structures or significant wildland around it

If you are not experienced with drones, consider a licensed operator or a professional working with your contractor or a public adjuster.

Room-by-Room Documentation and a Simple Inventory

To keep from feeling overwhelmed, go Room by Room. Start at the front door and move in order:

– Living areas, hallways, and stairs
– Bedrooms and bathrooms
– Kitchen, pantry, and laundry room
– Garage, basement, attic, and any outbuildings

In each room:

– Take wide photos from several corners
– Photograph walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and built-in cabinets or fixtures
– Note any pre-existing damage so your insurer cannot claim everything was old or unrelated

Next, create a basic inventory. You can use a notebook or a simple spreadsheet. For each room, list:

– Furniture and rugs
– Electronics, appliances, and tools
– Clothing, shoes, and linens
– Kitchenware and small appliances
– Décor, artwork, and collectibles
– Business equipment and inventory if it is a commercial loss

For each item, write down:

– Description and brand or model, if known
– Approximate age and where you bought it
– Rough purchase price or a reasonable estimate
– Condition before the wildfire

Use your photos and video to jog your memory. Old family photos, real estate listings, and even social media posts often show rooms, appliances, or décor in the background.

Gather any receipts and records you can find:

– Paper receipts, manuals, and warranty cards
– Bank and credit card statements that show purchases
– Order confirmations from email and online accounts

Focus on big-ticket items like TVs, computers, specialty tools, and appliances. Any proof of value and ownership can help your claim.

Repairs, Estimates, and Organizing Your Claim File

Most insurance policies expect you to protect the property from further damage. That is where Temporary Repairs come in. Common examples include:

– Tarping or covering roof openings
– Boarding up broken windows and doors
– Securing gates or fences for safety
– Basic smoke odor control and drying out wet areas

Before and after any temporary repair, take photos or video. Keep every receipt for labor and materials. Insurers often reimburse reasonable temporary repairs, but they need proof.

Contractor estimates are another key piece of fire damage documentation. Get written estimates from licensed contractors for:

– Structural repairs, framing, and drywall
– Roofing, siding, and exterior finishes
– Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work
– Flooring, cabinets, paint, and interior finishes
– Professional smoke and odor remediation

If you own a business, also get estimates to replace equipment, fixtures, and inventory, plus any specialty cleaning.

To keep everything organized, build a simple claim file:

– Create folders, both physical and digital, for photos and video, drone images, inventory lists, receipts, temporary repairs, and contractor estimates
– Keep a claim log with dates, who you spoke with at the insurance company, what was discussed, and which documents you sent
– Save copies of every email and letter related to your claim

A clear, organized package tells the full story of your loss and usually leads to fewer delays and less back-and-forth with your insurer.

When to Call for Help and What to Do If You Already Cleaned

Sometimes a wildfire loss is straightforward and a careful property owner can handle documentation and negotiations alone. It may be time to Take Action and Get Help if any of these apply:

– Damage is widespread, affecting structure, contents, and multiple buildings
– The insurance company questions your fire damage documentation or sends a low offer
– You are emotionally exhausted and do not have the time or energy for a full property loss assessment

If you are worried because you cleaned before taking photos, focus on what you can document now:

– Remaining visible damage, inside and out
– Any repairs already completed, with before-and-after photos if available
– Receipts for cleaning services, supplies, and temporary repairs
– Replacement receipts for items you already had to buy again

Also:

– Neighbors’ photos or videos from the day of the fire
– Community or news images showing your street or area
– Prior real estate photos or appraisals that show the interior and exterior

A public adjuster like Disaster Adjusting can help rebuild your file using what is still available and work with the insurance company on your behalf.

Clear Next Step: Get Your Wildfire Claim Documentation Reviewed

You do not have to remember every step or argue every detail on your own. If you:

– Are unsure whether your photos and inventory are enough
– Feel overwhelmed by the claim process
– Have already received a low or confusing offer

Disaster Adjusting can review your documentation, identify gaps, and help you strengthen your claim.

Call Disaster Adjusting or request a claim documentation review today so we can evaluate your wildfire loss, explain your options in plain language, and help you pursue a fair settlement.

Protect Your Property With Expert Loss Assessment Today

If your home or business has been damaged, we can guide you through a detailed property loss assessment so you understand exactly what you are entitled to recover. At Disaster Adjusting, we break down the damage, documentation, and claim strategy in clear, straightforward terms. Let us review your situation and help you avoid missed items or undervalued losses. To get started, simply contact us and schedule a time to talk.