Assessing your homesite after a wildfire may seem daunting, however, it’s an important step to recovery. A wildfire sweeping across a homesite may cause damage even though the house survives. The intense heat, burning embers, and flames associated with such a fire may damage the following elements in a house:
- Roof – roofing materials may buckle, partially melt, or burn. This could cause leaks.
- Windows and doors – windows and doorframes may warp and weather stripping may be damaged. Windows may break. Provide temporary coverings for windows and doors as needed.
- Siding – depending on the siding material, it may warp, melt, or burn. Paint may be damaged.
- Structure – roofs and floors may have sustained structural damage if the house is partially burned. Use caution in this situation and get an assessment by a builder, contractor, or engineer.
- Utilities – utilities may be disrupted as a result of a fire. Allow the utility companies to reconnect central system utilities (i.e. electricity, water, natural gas). If the utilities are on site (i.e. propane tanks or a private well) have an appropriate trained professional assess the system and reactivate it.
- Septic system – since the components of this system (tank, leach field, and lines) are underground, it is unlikely to be damaged. However, a leach field could be damaged if firefighting vehicles drive over it.
Considering the above list of potential damage when you’re assessing your homesite after a wildfire, make sure you examine and determine which of the following restoration tasks need to be accomplished:
- Securing the site against further damage
- Estimating structural damage
- Repairing structural damage
- General cleaning and repair of structures and site
If the house has been damaged, contact your insurance company. Develop a plan on how to approach the above tasks and who will perform them. Depending on the level of damage, assistance of a building or utility professional may be required.