Wildfire Damage Investigation

The Wildfire

The residential estate was located within the area of the Woolsey Wildfire which burned, damaged, or destroyed over 2,000 structures and burned approximately 97,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in California.

The Woolsey Wildfire generated high temperatures, extremely low humidity levels, strong winds, as well as wind-driven embers, ash and soot that impacted the estate for many hours. The fires engulfed and affected the property from all directions during the wildfire, causing extensive damage to property fences, landscaping, utilities, and patio furniture in all directions around the house.

Post-Fire Investigation

Walker performed an investigation of the residence after the fire to determine damage resulting from the fire event to the residence. The estate is on 5 acres with numerous structures on the property including a main residence.

Our observations of the roof of the auxiliary structures indicated that the roof tiles and underlayment were compromised by combustion byproducts. A lot of ash and soot had penetrated the attic of the main residence and required extensive remediation subsequent to the Woolsey Wildfire.

Heat-Related Structural Effects

Exposure of wood to high temperatures from the Woolsey Wildfire caused the moisture in the wood to dry up. This drying up of moisture is more on the sides exposed to the higher temperature and causes the side with the lower moisture content to shrink. Therefore, the elevated temperatures caused the wood framed windows and doors to dry out unevenly and warp.

Conclusion

Walker’s investigation determined that the Woolsey Wildfire caused the damage to the roof, and exterior wood-framed windows and doors of the structures on the residential estate.

Walker recommended removal and replacement of the underlayment below the roof clay tiles and cleaning or replacement of the plywood sheathing as necessary. Also, Walker recommended removal and replacement of the warped wooden door and window frames.