Typical suppression water impact
- Flooring: carpet saturated, hardwood warped, tile delaminated
- Walls: drywall wet from below and from spray
- Ceilings: water draining through upper floors
- Contents: furniture, electronics, clothing, textiles
- HVAC: water entering ducts
- Electrical: outlets and wiring in wet areas
- Structural: wood framing moisture absorption
- Basement / crawl space: accumulated runoff
Scope integration
Handle as single claim:
- Fire direct damage
- Smoke and soot damage
- Suppression water damage
- Overhaul damage
- Forced-entry damage
All under "direct loss from fire."
Documentation
- Photos immediately post-fire showing water extent
- Fire department report noting water applied
- Separate moisture mapping by affected room
- Category determination (typically Cat 2 due to debris)
- Drying log
- Timeline of fire + suppression + mitigation
Common disputes
- "Water damage is separate peril", not under standard HO-3 fire language
- "Fire deductible only": typical; separate water deductible rare
- "Flood exclusion applies": no; suppression water is not flood
- Scope bifurcation between perils