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The Rocky Mountain Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (RMAPIA) has produced a complete and scientifically grounded information to dealing with fireplace losses that deserves critical consideration from anybody concerned within the adjustment of fire-related insurance coverage claims. 1 These RMAPIA Fire Protocols are among the many most thorough paperwork I’ve seen on this space, providing not solely a rigorous framework for classifying fireplace losses but additionally a powerful depth of element in explaining why sure constructions and contents must be changed moderately than repaired.
Having personally represented purchasers within the Colorado East Troublesome Wildfires and persevering with to symbolize householders within the aftermath of the Boulder Wildfires, I perceive firsthand the complexities and emotional toll of fireside losses. The similar is true for the Los Angeles wildfires, the place most of my latest consideration has been centered.
These experiences make me significantly appreciative of the work carried out by RMAPIA and the specialists behind these protocols. Their efforts symbolize a commendable and much-needed contribution to the physique of steerage accessible to all property insurance coverage adjusters, whether or not working for insurers as firm and impartial adjusters or as public adjusters for policyholders.
What stands out in regards to the RMAPIA Fire Protocols is their reliance on arduous science. The doc outlines a Universal Fire Testing Method, which is grounded in toxicology. This methodology permits professionals to evaluate the presence of hazardous byproducts like VOCs, PAHs, heavy metals, dioxins, furans, and asbestos. These are usually not theoretical issues. They are actual threats to human well being, typically invisible to the bare eye, and able to seeping into each crevice of a fire-damaged construction. The protocols go additional to outline poisonous thresholds for every contaminant, present EPA-approved testing strategies, and current clear suggestions on find out how to interpret the outcomes.
These protocols divide fireplace losses into 4 distinct classes based mostly on whether or not poisonous byproducts are current and whether or not the construction’s integrity has been compromised. These classes are sensible and provide adjusters a roadmap to find out whether or not restore or substitute is acceptable. In instances involving poisonous publicity, the protocols advocate unequivocally for substitute, emphasizing the dangers related to incomplete remediation, encapsulation, or reliance on superficial cleansing.
This dedication to security and complete restoration is admirable. At the identical time, it is crucial for me to be balanced and acknowledge that the protocols are clearly written with a public adjuster’s viewpoint in thoughts. They argue forcefully towards insurer methods that favor restore over substitute, typically with the belief that insurers will look to reduce payouts. In doing so, the protocols make a robust case for policyholder safety, however additionally they assume a excessive normal of proof and value justification that insurers might problem. I don’t consider that these have been peer reviewed.
Another considerate side of the doc is the consideration of distinctive property circumstances, resembling giant business constructions or compartmentalized buildings with remoted techniques. The protocols enable for nuance and don’t insist on one-size-fits-all options, although the burden of proving such exceptions is positioned squarely on the shoulders of those that argue towards full substitute.
I believe that essentially the most controversial, however no much less necessary, sections of the doc concern the arguments towards encapsulation or the cleansing of HVAC techniques and contents. The protocols clarify, in granular element, why such strategies are more likely to fail. From the microstructure of wooden and metallic to the real-world limitations of restoration crews, the doc leaves little room to consider that deep, pervasive contamination will be safely and successfully reversed. I’m actually curious what the everyday insurer retained hygienists need to say about this discovering.
These RMAPIA Fire Protocols must be required studying for all events concerned within the adjustment of fireside claims, from area adjusters, claims managers and restoration professionals. I discover that the work seems technically sound and morally targeted by inserting the long-term well being and security of house owners and occupants on the middle of each advice.
Having stood with wildfire survivors, I consider that is the form of principled, evidence-based strategy that deserves consideration. I applaud RMAPIA and its management for producing these.
Thought For The Day
“The most dangerous thing in the world is the sin of placing profit before people.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
1 Joe Nieusma, David Phalen. RMAPIA Fire Protocols. Rocky Mountain Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (2025).