Key facts: Dallas Fire Damage
- Dallas has many large apartment communities, where one unit's fire can bring smoke, water and displacement to several households.
- Older garden apartments can have connected attic space, so ask for neighboring units to be checked for smoke.
- A summer fire leaves an open roof exposed to the next thunderstorm.
Dry heat and storms
A summer fire leaves an open roof exposed to the next thunderstorm. Board-up and tarping should come early.
Fire history in Dallas County
FEMA lists 4 fire-related federal declarations covering Dallas County, most recently Wildfires in 2008.
Across all incident types, Dallas County has 28 federal declarations on record, and any of them may open aid for Dallas residents that insurance does not cover.
Protecting a fire-damaged Dallas home
Dallas averages 55 inches of precipitation a year, with July the driest month and May and April the wettest. Fire-damaged homes opened up by firefighting are exposed to that weather, so board-up and roof tarping matter quickly.
About 90 days a year reach 90°F, and heat speeds up odor and mold problems in a wet, closed house. Ask about temporary ventilation while you wait for the insurance adjuster.
Fire services in Dallas
Questions
Dallas fire damage questions
Who handles an apartment fire?
The owner usually handles the building, while renters insurance helps with your belongings.
Should I wash smoky clothes at home?
Heavy soot can damage a washer, so ask about contents cleaning.