What to Do After a House Fire

A house fire turns your life upside down in seconds. Your job right after is simple: stay safe, secure the property, and document everything before the insurer shows up. A fire claim is one of the largest payouts a carrier can make, so they scrutinize these losses heavily. The cleaner your documentation, the faster and fuller the payout.

If you haven’t studied how losses are documented, skim loss documentation basics. Fire claims depend on airtight records.

1. Don’t Re-Enter Until the Fire Department Clears It

Hotspots can reignite, structural components may be unstable, and smoke inhalation can be deadly. Do not go back inside until firefighters say it’s safe.

2. Secure the Property Immediately

Once cleared, your responsibility shifts to preventing further damage. Insurers deny claims when homeowners fail to mitigate additional loss.

• Board up broken windows and doors
• Cover exposed sections with tarps
• Shut off utilities if they weren’t already

Any damage that happens after the fire because the home was left open is on you.

3. Document the Scene Before Moving Anything

Your photos and videos serve as the baseline evidence for the entire claim. Capture:

• Exterior damage from all four sides
• Roof condition
• Every room, even lightly damaged ones
• Close-ups of appliances, wiring, furniture, and belongings

Adjusters will use these images to verify the extent of the loss. Don’t skip anything.

4. File Your Claim as Soon as Possible

Fire claims move faster when filed early. Provide:

• A copy of the fire report
• Your photo and video documentation
• A list of damaged rooms and items

Respond to adjuster questions quickly. Delays slow payment and cleanup.

5. Create a Detailed Inventory of Damaged Items

Your insurer needs a full list of what burned, melted, or was smoke-damaged. List everything room by room:

• Electronics
• Furniture
• Clothing
• Tools and appliances
• Personal items

If you aren’t sure how to organize an inventory, look at inventory basics for structure.

6. Don’t Throw Anything Away Yet

Even destroyed items matter. Adjusters may need to physically inspect debris to confirm type, brand, or condition.

Bag small items. Leave large items in place until the adjuster clears them for disposal.

7. Use a Professional Mitigation Company

With fires, smoke and soot do far more hidden damage than people realize. Mitigation companies have the tools to:

• Remove soot safely
• Deodorize rooms and materials
• Prevent corrosive damage to electronics and metal
• Dry water used during firefighting

Insurers prefer licensed professionals because improper DIY cleanup can worsen structural damage.

8. Understand Coverage for Fire Losses

Fire is usually covered fully under dwelling and personal property coverage, but limits still matter.

• Dwelling coverage: repairs structural damage
• Personal property: covers belongings
• Loss of use: pays for temporary housing

If you don’t understand these sections fully, review coverage basics.

9. Prevent Secondary Losses

Your responsibility doesn’t end after the flames are out. Keep damage from spreading:

• Dry wet areas immediately
• Ventilate where possible
• Remove salvageable items from soot-heavy rooms
• Keep tarps secure in wind or rain

10. The Bottom Line

After a fire, the first 48 hours determine how smoothly your claim goes. Secure the home, document every inch, file fast, and avoid cleaning or tossing items until the adjuster signs off. A disciplined response protects both your payout and your home’s recovery.