How to Remove Debris After House Fire

Unfortunately, the experience of a house fire doesn’t end once the flames are extinguished. Afterward, the process of rebuilding and recovering begins, starting with the removal of the fire debris.

Proper debris removal is crucial to ensure you and your family’s safety, prevent further damage, and pave the way for the eventual restoration of your home. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to safely and efficiently remove debris after a house fire (and where you can find help along the way).

7 Steps for Handling Debris Removal After a Fire

1. Prioritize Safety

Before you begin to do anything with the debris, prioritize everyone’s safety. You want to ensure that you and your family are out of harm’s way and that there are no immediate hazards. A home that has experienced a fire may seem safe to re-enter once the flames have been put out, but it can contain many health and safety risks, including:

• Smoke, ash, or soot particulates
• Structural issues (like a weak floor or waterlogged ceiling)
• Gas leaks
• Electrical currents (especially if there’s standing water)

Wait until the fire department tells you it is safe to enter. Even if the property is deemed “all-clear,” it may be advisable to wear protective gear such as gloves, masks (preferably an N95), and sturdy footwear when on the property.

2. Report & Document Damage (BEFORE Removal)

Before moving or touching any debris, it is crucial that you thoroughly document the damage. Failing to do this step correctly can cost you hundreds (if not thousands) of lost claim dollars down the road.

Remember to:

• Take extensive photographs and videos of each affected area . Get rooms from all angles, making sure to accurately capture the extent of the fire damage.
• Make an inventory of any items that may have been lost or destroyed. If possible, locate the original receipts of the items, or photos of them prior to the fire.
• Keep damaged items when possible. Set aside a few items that are safe to hold on to, instead of discarding them immediately. Adjusters or insurers may inspect them to assess the claim.
• Take notes regarding details that can’t be captured by camera. Document things such as the date and time of the incident, the location on the property, the cause (if known), and witness statements (if applicable).

Remember: Once the debris is gone, the evidence is gone! That’s why thorough documentation is so important—it gives you, the homeowner, the proof you need to substantiate your claim and get a fair settlement.

3. Consider Contacting a Public Adjuster Early On

After contacting your insurance company (most policies have a prompt-notice requirement), consider reaching out to a public adjuster before any serious clean-up begins. Public adjusters are insurance professionals who understand all the complicated ins and outs of homeowner’s insurance policies, and they can help you with everything from documenting fire damage to organizing debris removal.

Although a public adjuster can step in at any point in the process, it’s best to involve them sooner rather than later. That way, they can take the hard work off your hands and let you focus on recovering from loss instead of worrying about cleanup.

4. Remove Debris in Stages

There’s an order of importance when it comes to debris removal after a fire, and doing so will help you avoid overlooking damages or putting yourself at risk.

1. Hazardous materials: Asbestos, lead, chemical residue, and mold can all be a threat to your health. Before removing anything, an abatement professional will need to come in and test for these materials. If found, they’ll need to be contained and cleared out.
2. Salvageable items: Once you know you aren’t at risk of any hazards, any salvageable items can be retrieved. This tends to be things like clothing or upholstery (after a professional cleaning), electronics, appliances, hard-surfaced furniture, glassware, and metalware.
3. Non-hazardous debris: After you’ve salvaged everything you can/want, you can begin general debris cleanup. This can include things like chunks of drywall, charred furniture, damaged flooring, etc.
4. Structural debris: Structural debris, such as collapsed walls or unstable flooring, is often removed last since it requires engineering approval. However, if the structural debris poses a safety risk, it should be addressed earlier on (either before or immediately after the removal of hazardous materials).

5. Check Disposal Requirements

You can’t just start hauling away debris and dumping it wherever. Most municipalities actually require permits for debris removal, and there are specific rules regarding the disposal of hazardous materials or bulk waste.

Skipping permits can not only result in fines and delays, but it may lead to complications with your insurance claim. If you hire a reputable contractor to handle the disposal, they should get all the correct permits for you.

6. Hire Professionals for Removal

Regardless of the amount of debris, you should still consider getting a professional who has experience in fire debris removal. Underneath the surface of a seemingly easy-to-handle pile of debris can lie harmful toxins and sharp objects most homeowners aren’t equipped to properly (or safely) handle.

Seek recommendations from your insurance company, local fire department, or reputable restoration companies. (If you hire a public adjuster, they’ll be able to find these for you.) If it’s already covered by your insurance, it won’t hurt to have someone with experience come in—they may be able to recognize dangers the untrained eye could not, or be able to salvage things you thought were lost.

7. Save Your Debris Removal Receipts

Keep detailed records of all expenses incurred during the debris removal process. This includes costs related to professional services, equipment rental, waste disposal, and any additional expenses associated with the removal and cleanup efforts. Most insurance claims cover some or all of the costs—but only if there’s documentation. Store these receipts in a safe place where you won’t lose them, and consider making copies.

How Much Is Included in My Debris Removal Coverage?

In most cases, after a house fire, the expense of clearing the debris is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. However, some insurance policies have a limit on debris removal, meaning they will only cover the cost up to a certain point. (This is why it’s important to check your policy to understand how much you are covered.)

For instance, a policy may restrict the amount of a claim’s payment to a certain percentage. For example, if your policy has a 10% limit on debris removal and the claim was for $50,000 in total damages, the insurance company will therefore cover up to $5,000 in debris cleanup charges.

Another type of debris removal coverage is called a “policy rider”, which is an optional add-on to your insurance policy that increases the benefits. You could hypothetically be covered for an additional $10,000 in debris removal if you add it to your existing policy. However, you will consequently be required to pay a higher premium for that coverage. Make sure you clearly understand what you are required to pay for before contacting any contractors.

Experienced a House Fire? Contact Fortitude Public Adjusters

If you’re struggling to recover after a house fire, then contact Fortitude Public Adjusters today. We’re Wisconsin’s most trusted fire insurance professionals for a reason, and we’re here to help you on the road to recovery. From documentation to debris removal, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.