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Wildfires are more prevalent in Colorado than ever. According to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, the state experiences thousands of wildfires every year. This results in the loss of over 744,000 acres, including residential properties. In 2020, three large fires greatly impacted homeowners in Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, and Pine Gulch. Denver also has its share of wildfire damage. Besides devastating forests and animal habitats, wildfires in Denver have a huge impact on residents.
To protect your interests, it pays to consult with an attorney before filing a fire insurance claim. While having a property insurance lawyer can help you recover from wildfire damage in Colorado, you can take proactive steps to save your home and family in the event of a fire.
Fire Prevention Resources
The Colorado Property and Insurance Wildfire Preparedness Guide is a great resource, compiled by industry experts to keep families safe. You can also refer to the Colorado Project Wildfire to prepare and protect your home in the event of a wildfire. The legal advocates at The Morgan Law Group also recommend How to Protect Your Home & Property from Wildfire, published by the Colorado State Forest Service.
Among other tips, these documents advise homeowners to create a defensible space. A wide buffer between your home and trees, grass, and shrubs reduces the risk of a wildfire spreading to your home. A defensible space can slow the spread of the fire and help firefighters stay safe.
Know the Rules of Your HOA
Are you subject to the rules of a homeowner’s association? According to the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA), you can remove shrubs, trees, and vegetation to create a defensible space around your home. It’s important to know the rules of your HOA (and vote to change them) that may interfere with your fire prevention efforts. Note that the removal of trees and shrubs must comply with a defensible space plan created by the state forest service.
A certified individual or local fire chief can also create the plan. If you have any questions about the legality of creating a defensible space or the rules of your HOA, feel free to consult with one of our wildfire attorneys.
Insurance Coverage Questions?
Many insurance companies cover damage due to wildfires in Denver. However, you should schedule a review of your homeowner’s policy with your insurance agent. The coverage needed will depend on the type of home you have and what contents require protection. For example, you’ll need different coverage for your home-based business. Consult with our property insurance lawyers if you would like an expert opinion on the provisions in your current or proposed policy.
Mitigating Wildfire Damage
You can mitigate wildfire damage by taking certain precautions in the construction of your home. For example, use fire-resistant materials on the exterior of your home, including the roof. We’ve already discussed creating a defensible zone around your property. By removing leaves, brush, pine needles, and trees from the area next to your house, you can reduce the risk of wildfire damage.
Our property insurance lawyers can provide advice on how to strengthen your fire damage claim prior to a wildfire. For example, maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers inside the home and make sure that fuel tanks are more than 30 feet away from flammable structures.
Do you have access to water hydrants that will make it easier to battle a fire at your home? If not, you may want to invest in a water storage tank. It’s essential to have garden hoses long enough to reach the roof and other exterior structures. This will help you keep surfaces cool and may prevent the spread of fire to your property. Cool, wet surfaces are less likely to catch fire from burning leaves and branches carried by high winds.
These are just some of the ways you can protect your home from wildfires in Denver. Following fire safety precautions while enjoying the state’s natural wonders if also a great way to keep wildfires from happening in the first place. Need more ideas? Refer to the resources provided in this article or call The Morgan Law Group for more information and advice.
Need an Attorney to Review Your Insurance Policy?
An insurance lawyer can help you understand your homeowner’s policy regarding wildfire damage. For example, actual cash value policies only provide coverage for the market value of your home. Replacement cost policies will pay for the cost to repair or rebuild damaged structures. Both policy types are subject to the deductible on your homeowner’s insurance.
Does your homeowner’s policy include cleanup cost following a wildfire? Work with our legal team to ensure that your policy adequately protects your home and belongings in case of a wildfire.
Why Hire a Fire Damage Claim Attorney?
Why should you hire a wildfire damage lawyer to handle your case? Our team of legal professionals provides support throughout the fire damage claims process. We can also help you fight a claim denial and, if needed, file a civil lawsuit against your insurance company.
While it’s necessary and useful to maintain a homeowner’s insurance policy, you must remember that the insurance company is looking out for their own best interest, not yours.
Working With a Local Wildfire Lawyer
We understand the laws governing wildfire insurance claims in Colorado. Our attorneys can guide you through the fire damage claim process and give you the confidence and peace of mind that comes with proper legal representation.
At The Morgan Law Group, we’ve dealt with insurance companies many times, and we’d be delighted to review your policy for gaps. If you’re looking for a better settlement for wildfire damage to your home, we can help.
By building a strong case, we can keep your insurance company from diminishing your payout. If you need that money to repair or rebuild your home, every penny counts!
Call The Morgan Law Group to schedule a free consultation on how to prevent wildfires in Denver from damaging your home or to discuss how to protect yourself if your home does suffer wildfire damage.
