How to Preserve Wildfire Evidence Immediately After a Fire

In the aftermath of a wildfire, the instinct is to focus on safety, recovery, and healing. But once the flames have passed and it’s safe to return, taking swift action to preserve wildfire evidence can mean the difference between a denied insurance claim and full compensation. 

At Adamson Ahdoot, our wildfire attorneys work closely with survivors to help them build strong cases against negligent utilities and other responsible parties. And the strongest cases almost always begin with early, thorough documentation.

If your home, business, or property has been damaged in a wildfire, here’s what you need to know about collecting and preserving evidence right away before it’s lost, removed, or devalued.

Why Preserving Wildfire Evidence Matters

Evidence is the foundation of any legal claim or insurance dispute. When your life is upended by wildfire destruction, you’re not just dealing with property loss. You may also be entitled to compensation for displacement costs, emotional distress, and long-term damages. But to receive what you’re owed, your claim must be supported by clear, credible, and timely documentation.

Unfortunately, evidence is often lost in the chaos that follows. Memories fade, cleanup crews dispose of items, and insurance adjusters may miss critical damage. That’s why it’s essential to secure wildfire evidence as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Step 1: Photograph and Video Everything

Once authorities have confirmed it’s safe to reenter the property, begin by taking high-resolution photos and videos of:

• Exterior and interior structural damage.
  
• Burned vegetation and landscaping.
  
• Damaged personal belongings, appliances, and furniture.
  
• Vehicles or outdoor equipment affected by fire or ash.
  
• Ash patterns, soot trails, or debris that may suggest the fire’s path.
  
• Nearby utility poles, wires, or transformers. These may be critical in proving negligence by a power company.

Take wide shots for context and close-ups to show detail. Don’t clean anything yet. The goal is to capture the scene exactly as it is. Be sure to turn on date and time stamps if available, or store images with metadata enabled.

Step 2: Preserve Damaged Items

If possible, retain damaged personal property as evidence. This includes:

• Melted electronics.
  
• Burnt documents.
  
• Scorched furniture.
  
• Fire-damaged tools or equipment.
  

Place items in sealed, labeled containers and store them in a secure location. Don’t discard or repair them until your fire damage lawyers or insurance adjusters have reviewed the evidence.

If storing the items is not possible, take detailed photos and keep a log that includes descriptions, purchase dates, and approximate value.

Step 3: Save All Documentation

Keep all physical and digital paperwork related to your home, insurance, and the fire incident. Essential documents may include:

• Homeowners or renters insurance policies.
  
• Property deeds or lease agreements.
  
• Utility bills and correspondence from companies like PG&E or SoCal Edison.
  
• Official evacuation notices.
  
• FEMA or Red Cross assistance records.
  
• Repair quotes or receipts from contractors, roofers, or electricians.
  
• Temporary housing invoices or hotel bills.

If a utility company is suspected to be responsible, any communication you receive from them may be critical in establishing liability. Share this documentation with your wildfire attorney as soon as possible.

Step 4: Record Witness Statements

In many wildfire cases, neighbor or eyewitness accounts can support a legal claim. If others in your area saw sparks from power lines, heard explosions, or noticed maintenance issues leading up to the fire, their statements may help your case.

Try to collect the following:

• Full names and contact information.
  
• Written or recorded statements about what they saw or heard.
  
• Date and time of the incident.
  
• Any photos or videos they’re willing to share.

Ensure that all records are dated and saved in multiple formats.

Step 5: Create Digital Backups

Wildfire evidence is only helpful if it can be retrieved later. Store your images, videos, and documents in at least two places, such as:

• An external hard drive or USB.
  
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
  
• A secure email folder.

Digital backups protect you from future disasters and provide quick access when working with wildfire attorneys or insurance providers.

Step 6: Journal Your Experience

In addition to material damage, many survivors suffer from emotional trauma, anxiety, or health issues due to smoke exposure and displacement. Keeping a daily journal of your experience can help capture the full impact of the wildfire.

Include entries about:

• Evacuation process and safety concerns.
  
• Living conditions during displacement.
  
• Emotional and physical health changes.
  
• Disruption to work, school, or family life.

This type of evidence can strengthen claims related to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of use.

Step 7: Consult a Wildfire Attorney Early

One of the most important steps you can take is to consult an experienced wildfire attorney as early as possible. Legal experts can help you:

• Review your evidence for completeness and credibility.
  
• Identify any missing documentation.
  
• Determine liability, especially in utility-related wildfires.
  
• Handle communications with insurance companies or utility defense teams.
  
• Fight for the full compensation you deserve.

At Adamson Ahdoot, our fire damage lawyers have helped clients across California navigate the aftermath of devastating wildfires. From property loss to personal injury, we build cases that hold negligent parties accountable.

Beyond Insurance: Why Legal Action May Be Necessary

While insurance coverage can provide some relief, it often falls short of covering the full cost of damages. And when utility companies are involved, insurance alone may not be sufficient to ensure accountability.

Legal action allows wildfire survivors to pursue compensation for:

• Uninsured or underinsured losses.
  
• Emotional trauma and health complications.
  
• Lost income or business interruption.
  
• Community displacement and environmental damage.

And most importantly, it holds responsible parties accountable, preventing future tragedies and driving systemic change.

A Strong Case Starts with Strong Evidence

Wildfires move fast. So should your response.

By collecting evidence early, securing it properly, and consulting the right legal team, you take control of your recovery and your future. If you’ve been impacted by a California wildfire, don’t wait for your claim to stall or your story to be forgotten.Call Adamson Ahdoot today at (800) 310-1606 for a free consultation, or contact us online. Our wildfire attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, from preserving evidence to pursuing justice.