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.