Investigating and Resolving Different Types of Wildfire Losses

This course, “Investigating and Resolving Different Types of Wildfire Losses,” is designed to enhance an adjuster’s knowledge and understanding of the adjustment of residential wildfire claims involving smoke and soot damages and the fire investigative process related to large wildfires. The module is presented by Cliff Walsh, a Staff adjuster in the Catastrophe department of a national insurer, and Larry Canary, IFSAC-CFI, CFEI, CFII, FCLS, a retired fire investigator for Envista Forensics.

This course begins with an introduction by Larry about wildfire basics, including what constitutes a wildfire, what drives a wildfire and how wildfire investigations usually begin. Next, Cliff discusses what constitutes a smaller, general wildfire claim and the coverage parts they can be triggered by these claims. He also provides some practical tips for inspecting a wildfire loss site and using experts, particularly hygienists. Cliff then discusses two ways to estimate damages for smaller, general losses involving smoke and soot damage to the interior and exterior of the home. He describes the initial settlement process and possible next steps. Larry then outlines how the fire investigation process should work and the role of the adjuster and the fire investigator during wildfire investigations. Larry identifies possible areas for research and highlights the importance of proper evidence handling. Lastly, Cliff describes some key steps adjusters can take when closing the claims files and wrapping up the investigation.

After completing the course, the viewer should be able to…

explain what a wildfire is and the anatomy of a wildfire; describe what drives a wildfire and how a wildfire investigation usually begins; analyze when a hygienist should be retained and follow how many samples the hygienist may collect; determine the applicable limits and coverages that may apply to a wildfire claim; list some tips and tools for inspecting the loss site; differentiate between using the square foot pricing and the line-item component pricing models for estimating smoke and soot losses; outline the fire investigation process, including the scientific method and directing the preparation of the fire investigator’s report; outline some areas of research for wildfire investigations; identify some liability issues involving major wildfire losses; distinguish between evidence and artifacts; recognize the importance of retaining a credentialed fire investigator and maintaining the expert’s credibility; and, specify the process for closing the claims file and wrapping up the investigation including issuing payments to the insureds, handling supplemental claims and communicating with the insureds.