In most cases, yes, a fire-damaged house can be repaired. The only exception would be if a house fire leads to major structural damage. In that case, it might be faster and more affordable to knock down the house and start from scratch. In most cases, though, repairs are possible with help from a professional.

Yes, most insurance plans cover acts of nature. In policy documents, this also may be called “Acts of God” or “natural disasters.” However, not all acts of nature are covered by your policy, and the extent to which they’re covered depends on your specific contract. Check your policy documents to understand your coverage limits and exclusions.

Call 911 immediately. If you have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket near the laundry room, you can attempt to extinguish the fire, but don’t open or touch the dryer. If you can’t put the fire out, evacuate yourself, your family, and your pets from the house, closing the laundry room door behind you. Turn off the electricity to your home via the outside fuse box, then wait for the fire department. After a dryer fire, have your home’s electrical system inspected to make sure there isn’t any damage.

Yes, a seller is legally required to disclose any known fire damage when selling a house, including damages that were repaired. That includes damages to structural components and all major systems, as well as water damage, chemical damage, and smoke damage related to the fire. Sellers use a property disclosure statement, which is regulated by each state individually, to disclose fire damage.