When hurricanes dominate headlines, it’s easy to overlook the massive impact of wildfires. But with drier seasons, faster spread, and growing claims, wildfire deployments are becoming a major part of the CAT adjuster landscape.
At MileHigh Adjusters Houston – Training the Special Forces of Adjusters, we prepare our students not only for storm work, but also for the unique demands of fire losses — especially large-scale wildfires that affect entire communities.
Here’s what every new (and even seasoned) adjuster needs to know about working wildfire claims:
Know the Scope: Wildfires Are Different
Unlike wind or hail events, wildfires create total-loss scenarios and wide-area destruction. You’ll be dealing with:
- High volume of total losses
- Smoke, soot, and ash infiltration (even in untouched structures)
- Evacuated homeowners who may be emotionally overwhelmed
- Limited access to properties due to damage, fire bans, or safety issues
🧭 Tip: Wildfire claims are deeply emotional. Your communication and empathy skills matter as much as your estimating.
Master Documentation — It’s Everything
With so many structures reduced to ashes, your documentation becomes the foundation of the entire claim file.
You’ll need to:
- Photograph all remnants from multiple angles
- Document slab, utilities, trees, fences, driveways, etc.
- Create a clear scope of the original structure and belongings (often based on policyholder statements and pre-loss evidence)
📷 Use aerial imagery, satellite photos, and local permit records to reconstruct what was there.
Get Familiar with Fire-Specific Policies
Wildfire claims often fall under:
- HO-3 or HO-5 policies (Homeowners)
- Fair Plan or State Backed Fire Insurance (especially in California)
- ALE (Additional Living Expenses) for long-term displacement
- Debris Removal coverage, which is a major cost line
📝 Read the policy carefully. The exclusions, sub-limits, and documentation needs are different from hurricane or wind policies.
Understand Structure + Contents + ALE in Total Losses
In wildfire zones, it’s common to handle:
- Structure Loss – fully destroyed homes with total rebuild estimates
- Contents Loss – 100% loss of personal property (requires detailed inventory lists)
- ALE – hotel stays, rental homes, meals, and mileage for displaced families
🔥 Tip: Learn how to estimate a total burn structure AND work with inventory software or services to help policyholders list lost contents.
Navigate Claims Logistically
Wildfires affect large rural or mountain areas. Expect:
- Spotty or no cell reception
- Roads closed or limited access due to fire zones
- Coordination with local agencies, emergency crews, and utility companies
- Remote interviews and heavy reliance on insureds for info
🧭 Bring satellite mapping tools, backup power, and hard-copy paperwork if needed.
Use the Right Tools and Resources
Wildfire adjusting requires different gear and software.
Suggested tools:
- Drone or satellite imagery for total loss scope
- Xactimate for estimating fire, smoke, and debris
- Contents inventory apps (Encircle, ContentsTrack)
- PPE (masks, gloves, boots) when walking burned sites
⚙️ Being efficient, safe, and tech-savvy will set you apart during wildfire deployments.
Communicate With Care
Wildfire survivors often:
- Have lost everything — homes, pets, family history
- Are staying in shelters, hotels, or RVs
- May be dealing with trauma or grief
Your tone, patience, and empathy matter. Communicate clearly, calmly, and consistently. Be the adjuster they remember for the right reasons.
🗣️ Remember: Adjusters are often the first face of hope and recovery.
MHAH Prepares You for Wildfire Work — and Beyond
At MileHigh Adjusters Houston, we don’t just prepare you for wind claims. We train our students to be deployment-ready for every major catastrophe — including wildfires.
From total loss estimating to contents inventories to real-world deployment scenarios, we build adjusters that IA firms trust in ANY storm or fire.
Ready to train for all types of CAT claims — not just hurricanes?
👉 Schedule a 15-minute call with Mark:
https://calendly.com/mark-milehighadjustershouston/15min
📱 Call or Text: 281-741-8505
🌐 www.milehighadjustershouston.com
📍 Based in Houston | Serving Adjusters Nationwide
MileHigh Adjusters Houston – Training the Special Forces of Adjusters!
Next up: Are YOU ready for wildfire season?