Friends, thanks for your support. It is unsettling being forced out of your home for an extended period of time while being faced with major decisions regarding how to proceed with repair.

FYI, the biggest decision I have had to make regarding the fire is whether or not to use a public adjuster. Three of them introduced themselves to me the morning after the fire. They offer to represent you before your insurance company for a percent of the insurance settlement. Three of my neighbors have engaged a public adjuster, I have not. Factors that might influence a decision are how helpful the insurance agent is and how much personal property is at issue.

My house was struck by lightning a year ago (almost exactly)and we used an adjuster to handle the claim. I lost a modem, a TV and my chimney - about $3500 worth of damage.
The bills were all paid, and the work completed with no outlay on our part. The adjuster made his money, we got the repairs done and it was very easy. I recommend it.