As we move through a hot and unusually dry Florida summer, fire risk is spiking across the state. The data is fresh and alarming: Florida has already seen 2,171 wildfires in 2025, burning over 102,000 acres — more than 4x the acreage burned by this time last year.
What’s causing all the Florida fires?
A perfect storm of record-setting drought conditions, low rainfall, and lingering debris from last year’s hurricanes. With nearly 99% of the state now classified as drought-affected, and dry vegetation building up in both urban and rural zones, the risk to residential and commercial structures has never been more immediate.
That’s why All Claims Restoration has created this 2025 Fire Response Checklist — designed for property owners, insurance agents, and adjusters who are navigating the difficult moments right after a fire loss.
All Claims Repairs: 2025 Fire Response Checklist
1. Ensure Safety First
- Only re-enter the property once cleared by the fire department.
- Secure the site: board windows, tarp roofs, and block off unsafe areas.
2. Document the Damage Immediately
- Take photos/videos of fire, smoke, water, and structural damage.
- Keep a running list of affected items with estimated values.
- Obtain the fire department report and initiate the claim process ASAP.
3. Coordinate with Insurance & Adjusters
- Notify your insurer immediately.
- Our team can support appraisal prep, documentation, and even umpire involvement if disputes arise.
4. Remove Debris & Begin Dry-Out
- Remove burned materials and hurricane debris that may have caught fire.
- Start water extraction to prevent mold or secondary losses.
5. Address Smoke, Soot & Odor
- Use HEPA vacuums, dry cleaning sponges, and odor-neutralizers like ozone or thermal fogging.
- Seal surfaces with odor-blocking primer before restoration begins.
6. Inspect Structural Integrity
- Have licensed general contractors evaluate framing, roofing, and critical systems.
- We’ll help determine if repair or rebuild is necessary.
7. Begin Restoration with Code Compliance
- Replace drywall, insulation, roofing, flooring, and electrical as needed — all to current code.
- Consider fire-resistant upgrades where appropriate.
8. Walkthrough & Finalize
- Review repairs with your adjuster and contractor.
- Document completion and ensure all work is signed off properly.
9. Post-Fire Planning
- Improve future response with clearer contact trees, defensible space landscaping, and mitigation upgrades.
Why This Checklist Matters Right Now
Florida isn’t facing a theoretical risk. In just the first six months of 2025, the state has experienced record wildfire activity — a combination of:
- Drought conditions not seen in over two decades
- Storm debris acting as fire fuel
- Rising temps and low humidity increasing ignition risk
For property owners, that means fires are hitting closer to home, more often, and with greater severity. And for agents and adjusters, quick, organized response is the difference between a manageable claim and a costly mess.
Need Help? Contact the Experts.
