When fire takes a structure, the demolition that follows is not standard work. Compromised framing, exposed hazardous materials, insurance timelines, and contaminated debris all require a contractor who has been through it before. We have — including Camp Fire recovery in Paradise and Magalia.
Not Standard Demolition
A fire-damaged structure is not just an old building that needs to come down. The fire has already done damage that makes the demolition more dangerous, more regulated, and more complex. Here is what separates fire damage demolition from every other type of demo work.
Fire weakens load-bearing members in ways that are not always visible. Charred beams, heat-warped steel, and compromised connections can cause unexpected collapse during demolition. Our operators assess structural integrity before every cut and pull.
Fire turns previously safe materials dangerous. Asbestos in floor tile, pipe insulation, and siding becomes friable after heat exposure. Lead paint vaporizes and settles as contaminated dust. We coordinate certified hazmat surveys and licensed abatement before structural demolition begins.
Most fire damage demolition runs through an insurance claim. That means adjuster inspections, scope-of-work documentation, itemized estimates, and progress photos. We provide everything your insurer needs and work within your claim timeline.
Fire leaves behind more than charred wood. Ash deposits, melted synthetic materials, and chemical residue can contaminate surrounding soil. We handle debris sorting, ash removal, and contaminated soil disposal through licensed facilities.
Fire damage demolition requires standard demolition permits plus NESHAP notifications, air quality district coordination, and potentially environmental impact assessments depending on the scale and materials involved. We handle every permit and notification.
After a fire loss, most property owners plan to rebuild. We clear the lot to build-ready condition — foundation removal or preservation, grading, compaction, and drainage prep — so your builder can start without additional site work.
Real Experience
The 2018 Camp Fire destroyed over 18,000 structures across Paradise and the surrounding ridge communities. Our team was part of the recovery effort — demolishing fire-damaged homes in Magalia and clearing lots for rebuilding.
That experience shaped how we approach every fire damage demolition project. We understand the structural unpredictability of fire-damaged buildings, the hazmat complexities that come with burned older homes, and the emotional weight of clearing a property after a loss. This is not theoretical knowledge — it comes from doing the work.
Project photo
Our Process
Fire damage demolition follows a more rigorous process than standard structural demolition. Every step accounts for the additional hazards, regulatory requirements, and insurance documentation that fire-damaged properties demand.
We walk the property with you and your adjuster if needed. Evaluate structural integrity, identify hazmat concerns, assess equipment access. Written scope-of-work and itemized estimate formatted for insurance submission.
Certified asbestos survey on any pre-1980 structure. Fire can make previously non-friable materials dangerous. If the survey comes back positive, licensed abatement contractors handle removal before we touch the structure.
Demolition permit through the local building department. NESHAP notification through the air quality management district. We prepare and submit all paperwork — nothing falls through the cracks.
Gas, electric, water, and sewer disconnected and capped. Fire-damaged utility connections can be compromised in ways that are not visible, so we verify disconnection before any equipment enters the site.
Excavators with grapple attachments methodically dismantle the fire-damaged structure. Our operators read the building as they work — adjusting approach based on how the fire affected different sections. Dust and erosion control throughout.
Fire debris sorted on site. Contaminated materials separated from recyclable metals and concrete. Ash and contaminated soil removed. Over 70% of materials recycled. Every load documented with dump receipts and weight tickets.
Full foundation removal or preservation depending on your rebuild plans. If you are rebuilding on the same footprint, we protect the foundation. If starting fresh, we remove slab, footings, and stem walls completely.
Engineered fill, compaction in lifts, finish grading for proper drainage. Your lot is left build-ready for new construction — no additional site work needed before your builder breaks ground.
Insurance Claims
Fire damage demolition almost always runs through an insurance claim. We understand the documentation process and provide everything your adjuster needs to approve the work and release funds.
Detailed breakdown of every phase — hazmat survey, abatement, permitting, demolition, debris removal, grading — in the format insurance adjusters expect.
Photos at every stage of the project. Before, during, and after. Timestamped and organized for your claim file.
Every load of debris documented with facility receipts and weight tickets. Full chain of custody on hazardous materials.
We schedule around adjuster inspections and provide site access when needed. If your adjuster has questions about scope, we answer them directly.
Why Choose Us
Not every demolition contractor has experience with fire-damaged structures. The hazards, the regulations, and the insurance process are fundamentally different. Here is what we bring to every fire damage project.
We worked Camp Fire recovery in Paradise and Magalia — demolishing fire-damaged homes and clearing lots for rebuilding. That experience is in every fire damage project we take on.
Licensed California demolition contractor with full liability and workers' compensation coverage. OSHA-10 Certified — every crew member trained on demolition safety and hazmat protocols.
Itemized estimates, progress photos, dump receipts, weight tickets, and hazmat reports — formatted for insurance claim submission. We coordinate directly with your adjuster.
We coordinate certified asbestos surveys, licensed abatement, lead assessment, and contaminated soil handling. Full compliance with NESHAP, AQMD, and Cal/OSHA requirements.
Excavators, skid steers, dump trucks, and roll-off containers. We do not sub out the work. One crew, one company, one point of contact from start to finish.
Even on fire-damaged structures, we maintain over 70% material recycling. Metals, concrete, and clean wood separated on site. Every load tracked with facility receipts.
Full-Service
Fire damage demolition is often part of a larger project. We handle every phase — from structural demolition to cleanup to site restoration.
Complete house and residential structure demolition with proper permitting and debris removal.
Learn MorePost-demolition cleanup, debris hauling, and site preparation.
Learn MoreGrading, compaction, and site prep after demolition for new construction.
Learn MoreCommon Questions
Have a question about your fire damage project?
Call (916) 269-9668Licensed demolition contractor with Camp Fire recovery experience. Hazmat coordination, insurance documentation, and complete site clearing. Free estimate.