Florida is facing an alarming wildfire season. As of mid-2025, over 2,100 wildfires have already scorched more than 102,000 acres — a fourfold increase over this time last year.
This isn’t just a weather story. It’s a claims story.
Historic drought conditions, low rainfall, and hurricane debris have created a volatile landscape across nearly 99% of the state, placing both urban and rural properties at elevated risk. For insurance professionals, the implications are clear: faster loss frequency, increased severity, and tighter response timelines.
That’s why we’ve prepared this 2025 Wildfire Response Checklist — built not just for homeowners, but for insurance agents, adjusters, and carriers who are leading the recovery effort in real time.
Fire Response Checklist for Insurance Professionals
1. Prioritize Safety & Secure the Site
- Confirm fire department clearance before site access.
- Ensure emergency board-up, roof tarping, and fencing are in place.
- Partner with licensed contractors for structural hazard assessment.
2. Initiate Documentation Immediately
- Photograph visible fire, smoke, and water damage — exterior and interior.
- Request and archive the fire department’s incident report.
- Maintain a documented chain of custody for claim materials and photos.
3. Move Fast on Claim Initiation & Scoping
- Encourage insureds to notify the carrier as soon as possible.
- Begin building a defensible, carrier-aligned scope.
- Involve appraisal support or neutral third-party documentation early if complexity is expected.
4. Address Debris Removal & Dry-Out Quickly
- Overlapping wildfire and hurricane debris can create secondary losses.
- Mobilize dry-out teams to prevent mold, microbial growth, or cross-contamination.
5. Manage Smoke, Soot & Odor Professionally
- Recommend restoration teams that follow best practices (HEPA, ozone, fogging, encapsulation).
- Validate vendor techniques with odor-control logs or IAQ readings if needed for documentation.
6. Assess Structural Impact Thoroughly
- Engage licensed general contractors to inspect load-bearing components.
- Clarify scope of repair vs. rebuild early in collaboration with carrier expectations.
7. Align Restoration to Code & Risk Mitigation
- Ensure all repairs meet updated Florida Building Code.
- Recommend fire-resistant upgrades where justified — such as impact-rated roofing or non-combustible cladding.
8. Walkthrough & Close the Loop
- Conduct a joint walkthrough between adjuster, contractor, and insured.
- Ensure documentation of completion, warranties, and any supplemental scope adjustments.
9. Plan for Future Resilience
- Encourage clients to consider fire mitigation strategies: defensible space, backup contact trees, and routine inspections.
- Support policyholder education efforts that align with underwriting goals.
Why This Checklist Matters for Carriers & Adjusters
Florida’s fire risk is no longer a Western issue. It’s here. It’s real. And it’s intensifying.
The 2025 wildfire season has been driven by:
- Drought conditions not seen in 20+ years
- Accumulated storm debris acting as fuel
- High heat and record-low humidity
For insurance professionals, the difference between a manageable claim and an escalated dispute lies in early coordination, clear documentation, and aligned expectations.
Partnering With Experts Who Know the Landscape
At All Claims Consulting, we’ve served Florida for over 40 years, combining licensed general contracting with deep insurance expertise. We understand the demands of wildfire response — from emergency board-ups to scoping, estimating, and code-compliant rebuilds.
Whether you’re handling a complex fire loss or preparing for potential surge activity, we’re ready to support your team.
Need surge support, documentation review, or licensed restoration assistance on a file?
We’re available for:
- Structural assessments
- Scope validation
- Dry-out and mitigation
- Rebuilds with code upgrades
- Carrier-aligned documentation
Call All Claims Restoration — a trusted partner for Florida’s insurance community.
Tony Allogia
President, All Claims Consulting