Recovering After a North Carolina Wildfire

North Carolina's wildfire risk is real and growing. From July 2024 through June 2025, the N.C. Forest Service responded to nearly 5,600 wildfires that burned more than 34,000 acres. Activity typically peaks from October through early December. In Western North Carolina, Hurricane Helene damaged more than 800,000 acres of forestland, leaving heavy fuel on the ground. In March 2025, the Black Cove Complex in Polk County burned more than 6,000 acres and destroyed homes near Saluda and Columbus, and crews were battling new blazes in Mitchell and McDowell counties again in spring 2026.

Wildfire damage goes beyond charred walls and roofs. Embers can ignite gutters, decks, and attics. Radiant heat can crack windows and warp siding. Smoke, soot, and ash can infiltrate HVAC systems, insulation, and personal belongings, even in homes that never caught fire.

Don't Let Hidden Wildfire Damage Go Unclaimed

Smoke and ash damage is easy to underestimate, and easy to miss in an initial estimate. Lingering odors, corrosive soot residue, heat-damaged roofing, compromised wiring, and contaminated ductwork can surface weeks after the fire. Your policy may also cover Additional Living Expenses (ALE) if fire damage keeps you out of your home, and in some cases if a civil authority order bars access during an evacuation. Many policies also cover debris removal, trees and landscaping (often subject to separate limits), and contents. A Public Adjuster makes sure these items don't slip through the cracks.

What is a North Carolina Public Adjuster?

North Carolina law recognizes three types of adjusters. Company adjusters are employees of your insurer. Independent adjusters are contracted by your insurer. Both represent the insurance company's interests. A Public Adjuster is the only one who works for you, the policyholder, to prepare, present, and settle your claim.

North Carolina Public Adjusters must be licensed by the N.C. Department of Insurance, pass a state exam, carry a $20,000 surety bond or letter of credit, and complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Know Your Rights Under North Carolina Law

North Carolina's Public Adjuster law (N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 58, Article 33A) includes strong protections for homeowners:

• Written contract required. Your agreement must be titled "Public Adjuster Contract" and list the adjuster's license number and fee, including the exact percentage if you're paying a share of your settlement.
• Three-day right to cancel. You may cancel in writing within three business days of signing. Anything you paid must be returned within 15 business days.
• Fee cap after declared disasters. When the Governor or President declares a catastrophic incident, Public Adjuster fees are capped at 10% of the settlement, and no fees may be collected before the claim is settled.
• No high-pressure solicitation. Public Adjusters may not solicit you while the fire is still burning, or between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• You choose your contractors. A Public Adjuster cannot take control of who repairs your home and must disclose any financial ties to contractors or salvage firms.

When Should I Hire a Public Adjuster?

You can bring in a Public Adjuster before you file, while your claim is open, or if you believe your settlement was too low or your claim was wrongly denied. For wildfire losses, earlier is better. An adjuster can document damage before cleanup and remediation erase the evidence.

Tiger Adjusters® Will Fight for Your Wildfire Settlement

If you're looking for trusted wildfire claim support, Tiger Adjusters® Charlotte, North Carolina is ready to help. Using high-tech tools like 3-D scanners, moisture meters, and aerial drones, Tiger Adjusters documents damage your insurer may have missed, from the roofline to the ductwork, and negotiates on your behalf until you receive a fair settlement.

Public Adjusters work only for you, using insurance expertise to recover what your policy truly owes.

Public Adjusters are typically paid a percentage of each insurance payment, so your interests align.

Tiger Adjusters® charges no up-front fees. North Carolina law gives you three business days to cancel.