The Fire Chaser Playbook: A Compliant Field System
A repeatable, compliant field system for responding to fire losses, from receiving a verified loss to earning the reconstruction, with compliance guardrails built in.
This is the modern, compliant version of fire chasing turned into a repeatable system. It replaces scanner-and-drive guesswork with verified data and disciplined execution. For the strategy behind it, read the fire chasing guide.
Before any of this, know your local solicitation rules, including post-disaster no-solicitation windows. Responding to a public incident is generally permitted; soliciting a homeowner is often regulated. See fire chasing laws and how to stay compliant
Step 1: Receive a verified loss
Start from verified, qualifying data, not radio noise. Real-time incident data tells you a real fire happened, where, and enough context to decide. This alone eliminates most of the wasted time and legal gray area of traditional chasing.
Step 2: Qualify the opportunity
Before you roll a truck, check:
- Loss type: does it fit what you do?
- Size: routine, large, or commercial? (See large-loss strategy.)
- Location: is it in your service area?
- Capacity: can you actually respond and deliver right now?
Step 3: Confirm the rules
Verify the local solicitation rules and any no-solicitation window for this jurisdiction and situation. This takes seconds and protects everything.
Step 4: Respond fast and professionally
- Arrive prepared to provide emergency services, not just to sell.
- Lead with help: "Let's get your home secured."
- Be calm, clear, and reassuring.
- Never pressure a homeowner in shock.
Step 5: Secure and document
- Board up, tarp, extract water to prevent further damage.
- Document the loss thoroughly.
- Get written consent for work performed.
Use the Fire Loss Response Checklist here.
Step 6: Earn the reconstruction
Run the first 48 hours with calm competence. Owning the emergency mitigation positions you as the default choice for the full rebuild.
- Start from verified data, not scanner guesswork.
- Qualify every loss before responding: fit, size, location, capacity.
- Confirm local solicitation rules before contacting a homeowner.
- Lead with legitimate help; earn the reconstruction through competence, not pressure.
Run the playbook on verified losses
The playbook starts with a verified, qualifying loss. Relay Console delivers exactly that, real-time fire and water losses in your market, ready to act on.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fire chaser playbook?+
How do you chase fires without breaking the rules?+
Stop waiting for fire leads to come to you
Real-time incident data surfaces fire and water losses in your market the moment dispatch hits, so you can respond first while the homeowner is still deciding who to call.