Officials urge caution as evacuated residents return home

Dangers still lurk around properties affected by massive wildfire

BRYCEVILLE, Fla. – As the 150 Nassau County residents displaced by a massive wildfire return home, fire officials and disaster recovery professionals urged caution.

Jacksonville fire union president Randy Wyse said it's important not to enter a home if there are any questions about the structure's safety.

He said homeowners should call their insurance agents, who can help them find a contractor to assess if the home is safe or not.

“Any heavy structural damage to load-bearing walls, exterior walls, if there's a lot of damage to that, that could be an issue,” Wyse said. “(It's) very important to make sure you don't risk your life and have someone certified coming to make sure your house is safe before you get back in it.”

Wyse said crews likely moved power lines off roadways but might not have been able to see them in people’s backyards, so homeowners should be cautious.

“Any wire down is a live wire whether it is or it isn't,” Wyse said. “You want to make sure you call the utility company, make sure they come out and deal with that before you even get into the building.”

Wyse said if the power went out at a home, the residents should toss any food from the refrigerator or freezer that could be spoiled.

American Red Cross spokeswoman Christian Smith said residents should keep a close eye on their children and pets as they return to an uncertain environment.

“Make sure you have on good sturdy shoes and pay attention to embers. Just because your home hasn’t been impacted directly, that doesn’t mean that the wind hasn’t brought in flying debris toward your home,” Smith said. “Those things will go up into your attic, they’ll go up into your home, so you have to pay attention to that."

Wyse said if residents spot flames or smoke in the area, they should call 911 so crews can come check it out.

At least two homes were destroyed, eight more were damaged and 19 other buildings were burned in the fire, which consumed nearly 700 acres in the area of County Road 119 and County Road 121 in Bryceville.

The only injuries reported were minor injuries to firefighters.

Smith said it's critical for residents to be careful as they return to their properties, because injuries can happen just as easily after the disaster is over.

“Everybody’s going to want to go back in at the same time. There’s going to be some of that anxiety of trying to get inside at the same time, so just try to be as patient as possible,” Smith said. “I think everybody understands that this is a really big deal, and if you’re one of those families who lost their homes or you don’t know about your home, the emotional side of all of that is very difficult for people.”

What's next for damaged homes?

Along with those dealing with damage from the flames, many other residents will be dealing with smoke and water damage. Along with the loss of precious memories, they'll have to file a claim with their insurance companies to try to rebuild.

VIDEO: It's now time to check fire insurance policies

Insurance agent Paul Schwend said if your property was damaged by the Bryceville wildfire, you've got to file a claim as soon as possible. He's already been in contact with his clients affected by the flames.

"Most policies cover additional living expenses, that can be housing, motel, food, clothing, even medications, so get the process started, talk with your agent,” Schwend said.

If you can't meet with your insurance agent face-to-face or if you find it a little difficult to get a hold of them right now, don't forget to use all of your resources.

Schwend said he uses Facebook, Twitter and even Facetime to get in contact with his clients to start a claim or to answer any questions they may have about their policy.

If your home is damaged or destroyed, insurance agents say it's important to:

  • start a list of things you'll need replaced immediately, including medications.
  • take pictures of the home and damaged items. Many plans will reimburse you for things like electronics and furniture.
  • save all of your receipts from accommodations made for food and housing, if you aren't able to go back home.

If you can get back to your home, focus on recovering things like pictures and sentimental items.

"More important than money is the memories,” Schwend said.

Schwend says it's too late for people affected by the fires to get insurance if they didn't already have it, but he said don't be ashamed to let your neighbors know that you didn't have insurance.

A lot of time the community will come together with repairs and funding, or they can point you in the direction of someone who can help.

The Red Cross is also assisting families displaced by the fire. For more information and assistance, call 904-358-8091 or 1-888-843-5748. To donate, go to https://www.redcross.org/donate/home-fire-campaign.

Schwend said the devastating fire serves as a reminder for other homeowners to check their insurance coverage yearly.

"The page called the declaration page lists all the specific coverages,” he explained.

Be sure to read the small print to get a good understanding of what's covered and what's not, he said.