Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
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Garage Fire
- Thread starter Hpozzuoli
- Start date
dodgejunkie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2014
- Messages
- 198
Damn man! Glad you were able to stop the fire from spreading.
fsae0607
Well-known member
Wow you were lucky!
BuffettFan
Well-known member
So sorry to hear and see this.
Thank God you got home when you did and were able to put it out.
I don't envy the clean up you have in front of you.
Thank God you got home when you did and were able to put it out.
I don't envy the clean up you have in front of you.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Yikes! What a terrible thing, but thankfully you and the house are safe. Keep us posted on what happens with John Deere, I'm sure you will be talking to them about why the thing went up in flames.
ard
Well-known member
Wow. Sorry to hear. Be interested to here what JD says... (crickets)
Will the FD report document that it was the source of the fire?
Hope insurance treats you right.
.
Will the FD report document that it was the source of the fire?
Hope insurance treats you right.
.
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383
Well-known member
Not much worse to deal with that a flood or a fire, *****, but glad you are OK.
L5wolvesf
Well-known member
Glad you are safe. Any initial thought on what/why the Gator flamed up? My first thought would be battery from something else I read recently.
pamike
Well-known member
I would contact Deere CORPORATE and your dealer right away... And document everything... the last thing they want is bad P.R on a very popular product line especially when Ag sales are slipping...
driftpin
Well-known member
You need an attorney immediately. Also, do not let the Deere equipment out of your household! That is a valuable piece of evidence as to what happened. The fire marshal's office usually will make the determination of point of origin, unless it's a seven-figure loss, there is a death during the fire, or obvious evidence of arson, then it's usually the state fire marshal's office who assumes responsibility.
Your local fire dept fire marshal's office has access to national records about the piece of equipment involved in the fire, and how many other similar fires have been reported through local fire depts. All fires go into a national database, including information about the piece of equipment involved, and what appears to be the point of origin. Now, that's not saying that the JD Gator HPX is the cause of the fire, but if your local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) determined that it was, then you could request information from them about a report from the federal govt to-which the report is filed, about similar equipment being reported as having caught-fire.
Your local fire dept fire marshal's office has access to national records about the piece of equipment involved in the fire, and how many other similar fires have been reported through local fire depts. All fires go into a national database, including information about the piece of equipment involved, and what appears to be the point of origin. Now, that's not saying that the JD Gator HPX is the cause of the fire, but if your local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) determined that it was, then you could request information from them about a report from the federal govt to-which the report is filed, about similar equipment being reported as having caught-fire.
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hangfirew8
Well-known member
Get a lawyer, even if you don't sue, to negotiate a settlement. You can get a settlement even if the insurance pays one first. No one should go through all that because of a new product.
Remember your JD dealer will be a defendant too, as JD will happily throw them under the bus, of course the dealer will blame JD. Another reason you need a lawyer.
Remember your JD dealer will be a defendant too, as JD will happily throw them under the bus, of course the dealer will blame JD. Another reason you need a lawyer.
Glad everyone is okay, and I hope you are well insured.
I'm sure we would all be interested in all kinds of details but just about any lawyer would tell you not to post much if anything about this until any potential settlement is final and the check has cleared.
Thank you for the reminder to us all to check our fire extinguishers and insurance policies!
I'm sure we would all be interested in all kinds of details but just about any lawyer would tell you not to post much if anything about this until any potential settlement is final and the check has cleared.
Thank you for the reminder to us all to check our fire extinguishers and insurance policies!
Zeke
Well-known member
Glad it wasn't worse. But opening the big garage door could have turned out in a different way. Don't feed the flames.
driftpin
Well-known member
Most people wouldn't go to the expense of a private fire protection system. I don't have one retrofitted in my home. But there are some jurisdictions where single family dwellings are required to have sprinkler systems. Like burglar alarms, you don't need one until it's too-late.
A smoke detector of some-sort might have tripped if you had one, but with the work some people do in their garages, it could be going off all the time. You could get one for 'rate of rise (in temperature)' instead of the more-common ionization (airborne particulate matter-smoke) type. That could help to prevent sanding from causing an alarm to trigger.
A smoke detector of some-sort might have tripped if you had one, but with the work some people do in their garages, it could be going off all the time. You could get one for 'rate of rise (in temperature)' instead of the more-common ionization (airborne particulate matter-smoke) type. That could help to prevent sanding from causing an alarm to trigger.
Schurkey
Well-known member
If you have "replacement" insurance, document EVERY DIME you spend replacing your possessions.
Take photos of EVERYTHING. Buy a REAL camera if you have to. The photos need to be IN FOCUS, clear and large.
Getting an attorney is a GREAT idea.
Take photos of EVERYTHING. Buy a REAL camera if you have to. The photos need to be IN FOCUS, clear and large.
Getting an attorney is a GREAT idea.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I found a recall notice for Gators on the government website for fire hazard, but it was issued in 2016: https://www.cpsc.gov/ko/recalls/2016/john-deere-recalls-high-performance-gator-utility-vehicles
southalabama
Well-known member
You need an attorney immediately and let them decide about your own fire expert.
Don't go calling John Deere without one.
Don't go calling John Deere without one.
rburke65
Well-known member
I stop and look around at the shop everytime I leave and wonder if everything is...."secured" and hope and pray all is well. Good luck to you.
Expect to have your insurance carrier send out an investigator of their own. Don't be surprised if the investigator brings a trailer to take that Gator with him.
Sorry to hear -- I had a house fire almost 5 years ago .... my lawn tractor caught fire. Nearly a 2 million dollar loss when it was finally settled ... The house is still not finished. I could write a book.
You should have never gone into the house ... You are lucky the smoke did not get you.
The claim process will depend on your insurance coverage, the actual damage and type of contents. It does not take much smoke to cause serious damage. What's your outside living coverage?
My town's fire inspector bumped the investigation up to the county and my insurance company sent out an internal investigator as well as paying for separate investigation -- I think they were looking at me as much as the tractor. That took couple of weeks -- my insurance company rented me a house for over 2 years.
With proper insurance you will have little or no loss -- so your claim against JD is not what many think and only valid should it be positive that it was caused by JD negligence. And then .. it's your insurance company that wants to litigate -- they are the one with the loss.
Anyway -- get a good explanation of your coverage (the company must tell you and explain) ... ask them how they proceed and what you need to do ... and keep good records. If you have good insurance with a good company -- you want to have as much deemed a loss as possible.
Good luck .. I understand.
You should have never gone into the house ... You are lucky the smoke did not get you.
The claim process will depend on your insurance coverage, the actual damage and type of contents. It does not take much smoke to cause serious damage. What's your outside living coverage?
My town's fire inspector bumped the investigation up to the county and my insurance company sent out an internal investigator as well as paying for separate investigation -- I think they were looking at me as much as the tractor. That took couple of weeks -- my insurance company rented me a house for over 2 years.
With proper insurance you will have little or no loss -- so your claim against JD is not what many think and only valid should it be positive that it was caused by JD negligence. And then .. it's your insurance company that wants to litigate -- they are the one with the loss.
Anyway -- get a good explanation of your coverage (the company must tell you and explain) ... ask them how they proceed and what you need to do ... and keep good records. If you have good insurance with a good company -- you want to have as much deemed a loss as possible.
Good luck .. I understand.
MrBalll
Well-known member
Sorry to hear that. Glad nothing major happened and you were able to save a lot. Hopefully the smoke damage in the house isn't too bad.
Any reason for opening the garage door and adding more air to feed the fire? Just to get a water hose in there I guess?
Any reason for opening the garage door and adding more air to feed the fire? Just to get a water hose in there I guess?
lakeroadster
Well-known member
Glad you and your loved one's are ok.
kckndrgn
Well-known member
Sorry for your loss, glad no one was hurt. Things replaceable.
Good luck with the insurance and repairs.
Good luck with the insurance and repairs.
ard
Well-known member
You need an attorney immediately. Also, do not let the Deere equipment out of your household! That is a valuable piece of evidence as to what happened. The fire marshal's office usually will make the determination of point of origin, unless it's a seven-figure loss, there is a death during the fire, or obvious evidence of arson, then it's usually the state fire marshal's office who assumes responsibility.
Sounds like solid advice.
While you may want to leverage Deere corporate, you do that with evidence and documentation. In short, you do not let them put their noses under the tent right away.
Insurance can make you whole, in terms of damage and repairs. Handle it right with deere and you migth come out a bit ahead, for your troubles....your time, etc, etc
James-W
Well-known member
Sorry for the loss, but at least nobody got hurt. Let's hope that in the end you will be fully compensated for your loss.
btdobie
Well-known member
I've always been curious about hand tools in a fire. Should they be considered a loss because the steel can become annealed at the temperatures in the fire?
I've always been curious about hand tools in a fire. Should they be considered a loss because the steel can become annealed at the temperatures in the fire?
Depends how much heat they have been exposed to. If there is still paint on the tool boxes, they didn't see alot of heat damage.
However, depending on your coverage and adjuster, you may just get new tools or money towards new tools.
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joseywales
Well-known member
A lawyer can discuss you losses, above the current monetary loss. Your home owner's premium will go up. Also, now that you've filed a claim, every insurance company you apply to will know you filed a claim. BTW, this is true even if the claim is denied. It still resides in a database.
JD could be on the hook for the future loss of higher premiums, your time/effort, etc. I hate that the HO insurance has to pay. If fault is found, JD should cover everything so you don't have to file a claim. Unfortunately that's not how it works. And it would probably take too long.
Good luck
JD could be on the hook for the future loss of higher premiums, your time/effort, etc. I hate that the HO insurance has to pay. If fault is found, JD should cover everything so you don't have to file a claim. Unfortunately that's not how it works. And it would probably take too long.
Good luck
There is a lot of misinformation on this thread -- be very careful of moving forward too quick. Understand your policy -- how things are cleaned .. how outcomes are guaranteed.
Don't sign any loss agreements or agree to have the abatement company do the repairs unless you are comfortable with them.
Understand it's your insurance company that's going to make you whole - the idea that JD will ever be determined at fault is a long way off and most likely will never happen. Fires happen -- and often no direct cause is ever determined. Your loss is now your insurance companies problem.
Be very careful of public adjusters or attorneys telling you things at this point --- don't sign anything.
I had excellent insurance with full cash out potential (not the same as full replacement) -- I did not have to repurchase the item to obtain full current value w/tax. The way my house was insured I would not allow any soft items to be cleaned nor would I settle for simply cleaning the plaster/drywall. My insurance company hired an independent company to come in and itemize everything in the house - down to the number of rolls of toilet paper. They valued everything from the toothpaste in my medicine cabinet to the vintage audio equipment I once collected. Took 4 guys 4 days ... just to make the list.
Many items cost more to clean vs the value - it's not the heat throughout the house .. it's the soot. It can often cost more to clean/restore an item vs replace -- this can be a problem with items with sentimental value. My company paid me for the items and did not want the item -- so if I wanted to clean an item I could
If you have a mortgage -- the building loss will most likely have reimbursement checks with a cosign including your mortgage company ... check and understand.
Trust me the numbers add up quickly -- you must first understand how your company values items and if you must buy the item again to receive this number. With most companies you have to create the contents list and to receive the full present value -- repurchase. It's extremely time consuming. As I said above -- I would not allow cleaning of any textile. All our clothing -- furniture with fabric -- bedding ... everything soft was replaced. Thankfully, most of my best rugs had been removed for cleaning the week before -- I collect rugs and glass art.
Your policy will only change if the construction time exceeds a year -- normally the company will not require it to be converted to "under construction" .. so your cost will not change. Nor will having a fire change the future policy cost for the same value home/contents.
The building damage in my case was the problem -- the structure was an expensive, old unusual property located in a historic district.
I paid for expertise when I needed it ....not upfront.
Don't sign any loss agreements or agree to have the abatement company do the repairs unless you are comfortable with them.
Understand it's your insurance company that's going to make you whole - the idea that JD will ever be determined at fault is a long way off and most likely will never happen. Fires happen -- and often no direct cause is ever determined. Your loss is now your insurance companies problem.
Be very careful of public adjusters or attorneys telling you things at this point --- don't sign anything.
I had excellent insurance with full cash out potential (not the same as full replacement) -- I did not have to repurchase the item to obtain full current value w/tax. The way my house was insured I would not allow any soft items to be cleaned nor would I settle for simply cleaning the plaster/drywall. My insurance company hired an independent company to come in and itemize everything in the house - down to the number of rolls of toilet paper. They valued everything from the toothpaste in my medicine cabinet to the vintage audio equipment I once collected. Took 4 guys 4 days ... just to make the list.
Many items cost more to clean vs the value - it's not the heat throughout the house .. it's the soot. It can often cost more to clean/restore an item vs replace -- this can be a problem with items with sentimental value. My company paid me for the items and did not want the item -- so if I wanted to clean an item I could
If you have a mortgage -- the building loss will most likely have reimbursement checks with a cosign including your mortgage company ... check and understand.
Trust me the numbers add up quickly -- you must first understand how your company values items and if you must buy the item again to receive this number. With most companies you have to create the contents list and to receive the full present value -- repurchase. It's extremely time consuming. As I said above -- I would not allow cleaning of any textile. All our clothing -- furniture with fabric -- bedding ... everything soft was replaced. Thankfully, most of my best rugs had been removed for cleaning the week before -- I collect rugs and glass art.
Your policy will only change if the construction time exceeds a year -- normally the company will not require it to be converted to "under construction" .. so your cost will not change. Nor will having a fire change the future policy cost for the same value home/contents.
The building damage in my case was the problem -- the structure was an expensive, old unusual property located in a historic district.
I paid for expertise when I needed it ....not upfront.
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You may feel violated but be glad you have insurance and I hope the coverage is enough. Don't under estimate what the insurance will do for you, unless of course you have constantly filed claims.
A few years back, we had a large fire in town, biggest of my career so far. We found the cause the next day and narrowed it down along with the insurance company's investigator. The fire happened on Sunday and by Friday, the building owner had a check in hand for the loss.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures, of everything, whether it be in the house or garage. Get them on disc, thumb drive or both with copies. These are for your records.
Hopefully, if you haven't, the FD or the insurance company paid to have somebody board up the residence to secure everything. It's amazing the lowlifes that come out of the woodwork to rob you when you're down.
A few years back, we had a large fire in town, biggest of my career so far. We found the cause the next day and narrowed it down along with the insurance company's investigator. The fire happened on Sunday and by Friday, the building owner had a check in hand for the loss.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures, of everything, whether it be in the house or garage. Get them on disc, thumb drive or both with copies. These are for your records.
Hopefully, if you haven't, the FD or the insurance company paid to have somebody board up the residence to secure everything. It's amazing the lowlifes that come out of the woodwork to rob you when you're down.
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Seems like I have been hearing of a lot of yard-equipment-related fires lately. I have always been paranoid about that. I leave my tractor parked outside until it's completely cooled off before I put it away. Although if it had some kind of battery issue like yours, that wouldn't matter. Now I am thinking I might add a battery cut-off switch like they put on dragsters...
Seems like I have been hearing of a lot of yard-equipment-related fires lately. I have always been paranoid about that. I leave my tractor parked outside until it's completely cooled off before I put it away. Although if it had some kind of battery issue like yours, that wouldn't matter. Now I am thinking I might add a battery cut-off switch like they put on dragsters...
Well -- the first thing everybody should take away from his is .. don't go into a burning house. Stuff happens in life -- reactions matter .. The OP could have been killed.
When mine went up ... I yelled to call 911 and got away. It took seconds for my cars to go up .. there is no saving anything. In fact .. once a fire starts .. I would rather have had nothing still standing .. it's easy that way .. you get a check and move on.
We had a fire when I was a kid -- My father's friend was our agent and in the end we were underinsured .. so ...I had things in place for this not to happen to me. But -- it's still a major PITA.
Read your policy and ask questions -- the adjuster must tell you. Learn how the policy pays for contents. Many policies have sub category limits -- replacement insurance is not really replacement in many policies.
The building is another animal. How much was it damaged ... what town requirements must be satisfied. Who pays for code upgrades .. who pays for professional services. My town required fencing to be installed with lights (crazy) ... do you have a ducted HVAC system ? was it running? How much moisture entered the house from fighting the fire?
If the house has soot all over it -- it will need to be emptied -- everything will require cleaning and repainting. What kind of insulation ?
I'm not trying to scare you -- but don't move too quick. You want this over and be back in the house .. I get it. Understand ... that's not going to happen. This is a process that you will have to work through.
How does your company handle your living situation?
I'm not going to get into the PA situation -- other than to say I had them come to my office in NYC and my beach house trying to find me. We did not use one .. also, the attorneys that handle claim situations -- or even what is called a "bad faith" claim are not common attorneys. That's not to say an attorney can't help answer questions.
Everybody shows up to help -- they are there to make money.
When mine went up ... I yelled to call 911 and got away. It took seconds for my cars to go up .. there is no saving anything. In fact .. once a fire starts .. I would rather have had nothing still standing .. it's easy that way .. you get a check and move on.
We had a fire when I was a kid -- My father's friend was our agent and in the end we were underinsured .. so ...I had things in place for this not to happen to me. But -- it's still a major PITA.
Read your policy and ask questions -- the adjuster must tell you. Learn how the policy pays for contents. Many policies have sub category limits -- replacement insurance is not really replacement in many policies.
The building is another animal. How much was it damaged ... what town requirements must be satisfied. Who pays for code upgrades .. who pays for professional services. My town required fencing to be installed with lights (crazy) ... do you have a ducted HVAC system ? was it running? How much moisture entered the house from fighting the fire?
If the house has soot all over it -- it will need to be emptied -- everything will require cleaning and repainting. What kind of insulation ?
I'm not trying to scare you -- but don't move too quick. You want this over and be back in the house .. I get it. Understand ... that's not going to happen. This is a process that you will have to work through.
How does your company handle your living situation?
I'm not going to get into the PA situation -- other than to say I had them come to my office in NYC and my beach house trying to find me. We did not use one .. also, the attorneys that handle claim situations -- or even what is called a "bad faith" claim are not common attorneys. That's not to say an attorney can't help answer questions.
Everybody shows up to help -- they are there to make money.
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You may feel violated but be glad you have insurance and I hope the coverage is enough. Don't under estimate what the insurance will do for you, unless of course you have constantly filed claims.
A few years back, we had a large fire in town, biggest of my career so far. We found the cause the next day and narrowed it down along with the insurance company's investigator. The fire happened on Sunday and by Friday, the building owner had a check in hand for the loss.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures, of everything, whether it be in the house or garage. Get them on disc, thumb drive or both with copies. These are for your records.
Hopefully, if you haven't, the FD or the insurance company paid to have somebody board up the residence to secure everything. It's amazing the lowlifes that come out of the woodwork to rob you when you're down.
My adjuster met me the next day at 9am with a check for 25k -- told me to find a house and buy what I needed ... the cause of a fire is not relevant unless it's fraud .. your insurance company is on the hook. Maybe in the case you are speaking of they declared it a total loss and paid off on the policy .. in some cases with underinsured policy holders they know it's going to exceed the policy .. so they write a check and move on. The OP can not do this in a week.
And yes the "board up" people are like roaches -- the first of many to try and direct work towards a particular contractor.
joseywales
Well-known member
There are so many variables that determine how these things will go: insurance company, geography, policy type, etc., etc. But you'll never convince me that his premium won't change. Maybe not this year, but it will change. And he will always have that claim on his record for future companies to view. Nothing he, or any of us, can do about that. It just is what it is.
I don't believe anyone mentioned the battery company. Unless JD makes its own batteries, they'll come in to play as well.
If anyone here owns firearms or sporting equipment, this is a good reminder to seek a policy outside of your homeowner's policy. The cost is VERY reasonable and they will not fight you on the value, or condition of the items near as much as a company that doesn't understand those items.
I don't believe anyone mentioned the battery company. Unless JD makes its own batteries, they'll come in to play as well.
If anyone here owns firearms or sporting equipment, this is a good reminder to seek a policy outside of your homeowner's policy. The cost is VERY reasonable and they will not fight you on the value, or condition of the items near as much as a company that doesn't understand those items.
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Seems like I have been hearing of a lot of yard-equipment-related fires lately. I have always been paranoid about that. I leave my tractor parked outside until it's completely cooled off before I put it away. Although if it had some kind of battery issue like yours, that wouldn't matter. Now I am thinking I might add a battery cut-off switch like they put on dragsters...
Mine pointed to the battery --- The special investigator (hired by my insurance company) from a law firm that does this kind of work told me it's almost impossible to find the cause. To get a legal judgment they need to have "THE" cause.
There are so many variables that determine how these things will go: insurance company, geography, policy type, etc., etc. But you'll never convince me that his premium won't change. Maybe not this year, but it will change. And he will always have that claim on his record for future companies to view. Nothing he, or any of us, can do about that. It just is what it is.
I don't believe anyone mentioned the battery company. Unless JD makes its own batteries, they'll come in to play as well.
If anyone here owns firearms or sporting equipment, this is a good reminder to seek a policy outside of your homeowner's policy. The cost is VERY reasonable and they will not fight you on the value, or condition of the items near as much as a company that doesn't understand those items.
Why would a premium change? Especially increase. Actually -- the loss rate of people after a fire is lower .. they are careful. Plus - the house is new and all up to code.
joseywales
Well-known member
Why would a premium change? Especially increase. Actually -- the loss rate of people after a fire is lower .. they are careful. Plus - the house is new and all up to code.
My wife has been in insurance for nearly 30 years. They'll get an increase. Insurance companies are in the business of collecting money, not paying it. It won't be directly related to the incident, but it will come. I see your point about future claims, but premiums increase to discourage any claims. What shocked me was that if you file a claim and it is denied, it still resides in a database for other companies to view. It happened to my coworker last year. He couldn't believe it when the company that was giving him a premium estimate said they saw the unpaid claim on his "record". The industry sees that as an attempt to claim damage, and, being denied, it might actually be worse than if it was paid!!
Not bashing insurance companies, because believe me, I've seen some claims paid that I just can't believe. Companies paying off because they don't want to litigate. It's crazy what gets paid out every year and honest folks pay premiums to cover the litigious.