After a fire, access to the property is limited. The scene stays controlled while a cause and origin investigation takes place. That part is important. During that window, restoration does not always have to stop. In many situations, mitigation can begin in areas that are cleared while restricted spaces remain untouched. This matters because secondary damage does not pause while an investigation is underway. Early mitigation can reduce preventable loss without interfering with that process. My role is to help navigate those boundaries. I stay aligned with investigators. I focus work only where it is permitted. When a fire scene is still under investigation, who is helping them understand what work can safely begin? I’m Lacy Loyd, Disaster Recovery Expert.