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Smoke-Damaged Homes Unsafe Despite No Visible Damage
7 Sep
Summary
- Homes appear intact but are unsafe due to smoke infiltration.
- Smoke contamination renders living spaces uninhabitable.
- Insurance coverage for smoke damage and restoration is uncertain.
Returning to homes that appear structurally sound after a fire presents a new challenge for some residents. Smoke contamination has rendered these houses unsafe to inhabit, even without visible structural damage.
Jessie Miller is among those affected, unable to return to her Spokane home due to smoke infiltration. Inspectors have mandated the removal of items like televisions and pet beds due to contamination, creating uncertainty about insurance coverage for these losses and the total cost of restoration.
Miller is currently staying with her parents while navigating insurance claims and awaiting an estimate from a restoration company. The financial and emotional toll of potentially starting over with nothing weighs heavily on her as she awaits answers regarding her insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.
