(605) 440-2039

Wildfire Damage Assessment Consulting

Wildfire Damage Assessment Consulting

Assessing the Impact

Wildfire Damage Assessment Consulting involves assessing the impact of a wildfire on properties, infrastructure, and natural resources. It provides an in-depth analysis of the impact to help property owners, insurers, and other stakeholders understand the scope of the damage. Wildfires can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and communities, and it can be challenging for property owners to understand the extent of the damage and the steps needed to recover. Many look at the damage done to tangible assets at the time of the fire, but they do not consider the long-term impact a wildfire can have on soil, trees, and the ability of the land to sustain itself and recover.

At Professional Forest Management, LLC., we have over 12 years of experience providing wildfire damage assessment and consulting to private parties, companies, and agencies. We use the best available science and unmatched experience to help you recover as quickly as possible following any wildfire.

Range of Services Provided

Wildfire damage assessment consulting firms provide a range of services to help property owners navigate the recovery process. Assessment areas include structural damage to buildings, topsoil loss, water damage from ash or debris runoff, vegetation loss, hazardous material contamination, and reduced air quality from smoke inhalation. Wildfire damage assessment consulting firms also guide how to manage wildfire clean-up best and rebuilding efforts.

Comprehensive Wildfire Damage Analysis

Professional Forest Management, LLC. begins a wildfire damage assessment with a comprehensive analysis of the affected property to assess the damage and determine the extent of the destruction. This includes an in-depth evaluation of soil, plant, air quality, and other environmental factors the fire may have been impacted in the area in and around the wildfire. We can also evaluate structural components of buildings, such as roofing, framing, and other essential elements that may have been damaged or destroyed in the blaze. This analysis identifies unsafe or structurally unsound areas, determines the damage to the property's roof, windows, and other areas, and evaluates the potential for further damage.

How Do You Determine Wildfire Damage Costs?

Our professionals guide property owners in accurately determining the total costs associated with the damage.

This includes:

  • Identifying and quantifying damages
  • Determining what resources are available to repair or rebuild the property
  • Evaluating the economic impact of a wildfire on the local economy

Wildfire damage consulting firms will work alongside property owners to identify any financial assistance programs or insurance coverage for wildfire-related losses. We document the damage in detail, which may include taking photos, creating maps, and preparing detailed reports to support insurance claims and other recovery efforts.

Our wildfire damage assessment professionals will also evaluate a property owner's options for rebuilding, such as determining the best building materials and designs to protect against future wildfires. Consultants can estimate the cost to repair or replace the damaged property to negotiate with insurance companies or secure funding for recovery efforts. Professional Forest Management, LLC. also provides advice on proper wildfire prevention measures to reduce the risk of wildfire-related losses in the future.

Hazard Mitigation in Wildfire Damage Analysis

Professional Forest Management, LLC. can identify potential hazards associated with the wildfire, such as unstable trees or slopes, and recommend actions to mitigate these risks. E recommend that property owners take steps to reduce the likelihood of wildfire damage in the future, such as thinning vegetation near structures, installing fire-resistant building materials, and creating defensible space. Wildfire damage analysis consultants like those at Professional Forest Management, LLC. can also provide guidance on wildfire prevention measures, such as developing a "Wildfire Action Plan" and designing fuel breaks.

Understanding wildfire behavior is critical to developing effective wildfire management plans. Our trained professionals provide valuable insights into wildfire behavior, including predicting wildfire spread and intensity to implement appropriate wildfire suppression strategies.

Determining the necessary repairs or mitigation measures to protect and restore property from wildfire damage requires specialized knowledge and experience. Professional Forest Management, LLC. helps determine the extent of wildfire damage, recommend appropriate repairs or mitigation measures, and creates wildfire protection plans for homeowners.

The Years After a Wildfire

Wildfires often have long-term impacts on the environment and communities affected by them. We can provide vital information to help land managers and resource professionals plan for the recovery of areas affected by wildfires. Wildfire damage assessments can also be used to determine insurance claims and evaluate and create wildfire protection plans.

Our wildfire damage analysis consultants use specialized software, tools, and techniques to accurately assess damages caused by a wildfire. By analyzing data such as fire intensity, weather conditions, and the extent of damage to vegetation, Professional Forest Management, LLC. can provide an in-depth report about the impacts of each wildfire. This analysis can help identify areas where mitigation efforts are needed or risks that should be considered for future protection plans.

Using wildfire damage analysis plans can help property owners navigate the complex regulatory environment associated with post-wildfire recovery, including obtaining permits and complying with building codes and other regulations. Consultants can also oversee the recovery process, coordinating with contractors, insurers, and other stakeholders to ensure the recovery effort proceeds smoothly and efficiently.

We are an essential resource for property owners impacted by wildfires. By working with one of our consultants, property owners can ensure they receive a thorough assessment of the damage and the support they need to recover and rebuild their homes and businesses.

How Much Damage Do Wildfires Usually Cause?

Wildfires are a devastating natural disaster that can cause large amounts of damage and even loss of life.

"Wildfires cause an estimated $2 billion in damages yearly in the United States."

The worst wildfire to date was the 2018 Camp Fire, which burned 153,336 acres across Northern California. The fire destroyed nearly 19,000 structures, resulting in an estimated $16.5 billion in damages, making it the most expensive wildfire disaster in US history.

In addition to the destruction of property and buildings, wildfires can cause a variety of other losses as well. These include the loss of agricultural crops, animal habitats, watersheds, and ecosystems. The cost of damages caused by a wildfire can add up quickly. Although the costs of wildfire damages vary from case to case, wildfires typically cause many millions in damages. The expert wildfire and forest analysts at Wildfire Pros are experts equipped to accurately assess the damages from your wildfire case. We possess a vast breadth and depth of wildfire experience to ensure justice is delivered for your wildfire case.

Here are some factors that can impact the cost of damages caused by a wildfire:

  1. Severity- The damage fires cause to soils is referred to as severity. More severe fires cause more destruction to soils, soil chemistry, and seeds and organic matter than smaller ones and, naturally, amount to more costly impacts.
  2. Intensity- The damage above ground to vegetation and infrastructure is a measurement of fire intensity. 
  3. Geography- Wildfires that burn in heavily populated or urban areas tend to cause much more destruction than those burning in unpopulated, rural areas. Location affects impact values as well. 
  4. Property Type- Different types of properties and vegetation types are impacted uniquely by wildfires. For example, a wildfire burning in old-growth hardwood trees causes more damage than a fire in brush and grass. Property values also play an outsized role in damage assessments.
  5. Fire Suppression Costs- Suppressing wildfires using aircraft and heavy equipment is more expensive than fires fought with hand crews. Firefighting can be costly, especially with the alternative suppression strategies commonly employed today by the USFS, which result in much longer fire residence times, weeks longer burn times, and much higher burned acreages than in the past. 
  6. Environmental Impact- The environmental impact of a wildfire affects the amount of money you receive in damages. Sedimentation caused by post-fire flooding and the costs to clean up resulting contamination adds to your claim.

The Wildfire Forensics Process

Assessing the damage caused by a wildfire is a complex and involved process with many factors. Additionally, the factors within a wildfire damage assessment vary by case. In some cases, the pivotal task is to determine the origin of the wildfire. In other cases, the main objective is to assess the damage caused by the fire.

Many wildfire damage assessments begin with a site survey and then progress to more in-depth analysis as needed. The survey is conducted by the experienced team of fire professionals at Wildfire Pros, who inspect the area for signs of possible ignition sources and other clues to help determine the cause of the fire. Depending on what is found during the survey, additional forensic analysis may be conducted with a variety of sophisticated investigative techniques. 

Wildfire Pros conducts a detailed evaluation of all evidence collected from the site, including on-site photographs and interview statements. Based on this information, Wildfire Pros develops an in-depth report that includes relevant data on the fire’s origin and other important factors. The report determines who is responsible for the fire and provides a clear picture of its impact on the property.

Rise From the Ashes With Wildfire Pros

At Wildfire Pros, we understand that wildfire damage can have a significant impact on both people’s lives and their properties. That is why we strive to provide accurate and timely results with our wildfire damage assessments so our clients can move forward with recovery efforts more quickly and confidently. If you have been affected by a wildfire, contact Wildfire Pros today for expert wildfire damage assessment services. We are here to help.

Additional Consulting Services

In addition to providing wildfire damage analysis consulting, we offer additional consulting services related to wildfires, such as preparing Forest Stewardship Plans, Fire Mitigation Plans, and Safety Audits. We are highly qualified in all aspects of fire management and can provide detailed assessments of wildfire risks. We also have a wide range of experience in assessing damages for those affected by wildfires so that appropriate compensation can be determined.

Our team is highly experienced in wildland fire and wildland fire policy, enabling us to provide comprehensive services covering all aspects of your case, from initial filing through settlement negotiations or trial proceedings if needed. With decades of experience representing parties on both sides of wildfire cases throughout Colorado, we are here to help you get the justice or compensation you deserve for your losses due to wildland fires.

Let's Take Action Now - Rebuild, Recover, Restore with PFMc!

Contact Wildfire Pros, or call us at (605) 440-2039, or email us to get started!

(605) 440-2039
1294 S. Skyline Ct. Pueblo, CO 81007
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