What Should I Do If My Property Burned in a Wildfire?

Wildfire destruction has increased tremendously in the last two decades. Currently, wildfires have doubled in the amount of land destruction compared to fires of the 1990s. In fact, in 2015, the most significant wildfire season ever received in U.S. history burned more than 10 million acres of land. 

A wildfire is any unplanned, unwanted, and uncontrolled fire that burns wildland vegetation, usually in rural areas. These fires can burn vegetation both in and above the soil.

States with the Most Wildfires

In 2023, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported that there were 56,580 wildfires in the United States, burning 2.7 million acres nationally.  The NIFC also reported that “A total of 4,318 structures were reported destroyed by wildfires in 2023, including 3,060 residences, 1,228 minor structures, and 51 commercial/mixed residential structures.  In 2023, the majority of structures were destroyed in the Northern California Geographic Area, including the 2,308 residences destroyed in Maui.”

According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2022, the 10 states with the largest number of wildfires were as follows. 

1. Texas- 12,571
2. California- 7,884
3. North Carolina- 6,222
4. Georgia- 3,621
5. Oklahoma- 2,811
6. Florida- 2,784
7. Alabama- 2,710
8. Oregon- 2,117
9. Montana- 2,087
10. Mississippi- 1,980

If a fire damaged your property, consult with a fire damage lawyer as soon as possible.  

Can I Apply for FEMA After a Wildfire?

FEMA is for those individuals and businesses that either have no insurance or are severely underinsured. According to Carlson Law Firm Wildfire Lawyer, William Rossick, unless you are certain your insurance covers all your losses, you should apply.

If you qualify, FEMA provides cash financial assistance to individuals up to $32,000—depending on the amount of homeowners or renters insurance you have. Businesses who have suffered losses in a fire can apply for low-interest disaster loans. 

What Are the Steps to Getting FEMA Assistance?

Step 1: Apply for Assistance

If you’ve suffered any kind of loss and need FEMA assistance, your first step is to apply for FEMA assistance by phone: 800-621-3362 or online. 

Step 2: Property Inspection

If you qualify, FEMA will send out a representative to inspect your property within 10 days of your application. 

Step 3: Notification of Approval

After the inspection, you will receive a letter 10 days after the investigation informing you of your qualification status. If you qualify, this communication will also include an amount of your compensation plus notice that you will be receiving a direct deposit. 

However, if you were denied, this letter will serve as notice. You will have 60 days to file for an appeal of FEMA’s decision. 

Can Wildfire Litigation Help Me?

A Wildfire Litigation Lawyer can help when your insurance company is undervaluing or devaluing your claims. Wildfires result in catastrophic property damage, injuries and death.

In many cases, fire damage to your property may exceed the insurance coverage available to you. For this reason, it is crucial to hire a wildfire damage lawyer with the knowledge and experience to maximize your recovery.

How to Contact a Fire Damage Lawyer

Call a Fire Damage Lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm at 800-359-5690 to discuss your property’s fire damage. Our compassionate attorneys will provide you with legal guidance to get you what you’re entitled to. 

The Carlson Law Firm Can Help

Fire insurance is supposed to help when you’ve lost so much. Our firm wants to help you navigate the aftermath of a natural disaster. If you are a victim of fire damage and your insurance company isn’t paying you what you deserve, contact our firm. We can help you determine your next steps with a Fire Damage Lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm.

Our team of experienced and dedicated fire damage lawyers understands what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations, and we’re available to take your call 24/7. We care, and we can help.