Wildfire Survivors Fight Insurers Over Hidden Toxic Threats in Their Homes

Families whose homes survived wildfires initially felt “relieved,” “blessed,” and “lucky,” but weeks later realized their homes might be contaminated with toxic substances invisible to the eye. Everyday materials become hazardous when burned: “A plastic shower rod releases formaldehyde… Polyester… unleashes carcinogenic gases.” Researchers warn smoke exposure can cause serious health issues. “After 9/11, residents living within half a mile… experienced chronic respiratory illnesses… elevated rates of cancer,” similar to burn pit exposure among soldiers.

In Colorado’s 2021 Marshall Fire, residents two miles away reported “recurring headaches, itchy and runny eyes, a metallic taste… and a dry cough.” Yet, many insurers refuse comprehensive tests. “This is crazy, and so blatant,” said Melissa Morrow, whose Altadena home survived but was contaminated with carcinogens, including formaldehyde and cyanide. Their insurer declined thorough testing, advising them instead to clean with a special vacuum and “soot sponge.” 

Morrow’s private tests found the home “unsafe to inhabit,” recommending a full gut renovation costing $1 million. State Farm calls such homes “smokers,” and whistle-blowers say insurers “nickel-and-dimed the homeowners.” In one case, adjuster Jay Clark said estimates “more than doubled” after accounting for necessary removals. Insurers often test only for soot, char, and ash; “84 percent of respondents” reported limited testing and said insurance estimates covered a fraction of needed repairs. Industrial hygienist Dawn Bolstad-Johnson said, “It’s like a burn pit… Smoke came through your house… settled in your couch, settled in your mattress, settled in your drywall.” Some homeowners, like Korinna Sehringer, found cyanide in their car seat: “We had been driving around in it for eight weeks.” 

Her insurer paid out for her SUV but delayed testing her house, where she suffered headaches, nausea, and lung issues. Families report draining savings, retirement funds, and pensions while battling insurers. Ms. Morrow, dealing with the stress, said her heart rate spiked to 132 beats per minute while drafting yet another email to her insurer. As wildfires worsen, families and experts push for stronger rules, while insurers argue that “cleaning by the qualified professional successfully removes and neutralizes any smoke and soot damage.”

Link: NY Times