Attorney Noah Nash was featured in Insurance News Net discussing a notable California appeals court ruling that held smoke, soot, and fire debris from the 2019 Saddle Ridge wildfire do not qualify as a “direct physical loss” under standard homeowners insurance – a decision that reaffirms the necessity of factual context in coverage disputes. The court determined that since the debris and odor could be removed through cleaning, they didn’t cause the type of physical damage that triggers policy coverage.
Nash emphasized the nuanced nature of these claims, stating: “Fire‑related home insurance claims are highly dependent on facts and circumstances.”
He underscores how insurers and policyholders must closely examine the specific conditions and policy language when assessing claims related to smoke and fire aftermath.
Read the Insurance News Net (INN) piece here: Appeals Court – Smoke, Fire Debris Issues Do Not Constitute ‘Direct Physical Loss’ in Home Insurance Claim
The article was also cross-posted to the Southern California Record on March 5, 2025.