# Firefighting water and consequential damage after a fire

> The extinguishing, the clearance and the aftermath often cause more damage than the fire itself. What does this include?

*Gepubliceerd: 2026-06-08* · *Categorie: uitleg*

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The consequences of a fire extend beyond the burnt belongings. A large part of the damage arises during and after the extinguishing.

## Firefighting water damage

Extinguishing a fire releases large quantities of water. It seeps through ceilings and floors, damages the storeys below and can lead to damp and mould problems. Firefighting water damage is a separate and often substantial item.

## Consequential damage

Consequential damage covers everything that flows indirectly from the fire, such as:

- Temporary accommodation because the home is uninhabitable.
- Storage of salvaged belongings.
- Clearance, demolition and decontamination costs.
- Restoration of utilities.

## Rebuilding value for buildings damage

In the case of major fire damage to the building, everything turns on the rebuilding value: what does it cost to rebuild the same property? Construction costs may have risen considerably since the policy was taken out — a point of attention in the assessment.

> **Please note** — Consequential damage is easily underestimated in a hastily prepared first report. Take it into account from the very beginning.