A New Jersey man recovers items from the second floor of a house after a morning fire heavily damaged the home. Aug. 19, 2025 © Thomas P. Costello/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Riverhead, NY) – When a fire breaks out at your home or place of business, it’s devastating. In addition to the health risks, and the loss of memories — there’s immediate work to do. Insurance claims need to be filed. Cleanup crews need to be hired. And there’s lots of money involved.
So, with Long Island homeowners increasingly falling victim to so-called “vultures” after fires — lawmakers in Suffolk County are taking action.
New legislation is being pursued amid the problem known as “fire chasers.” Similar to personal injury attorneys who “chase” ambulances, these private board-up crews track fires and then pounce. Reporting in the New York Post highlights how some firms take advantage of people who are dealing with a burnt out property. With wood and ash still smoldering, crews show up at the scene — and start pressuring property owners.
Apparently the crews pressure homeowners to act quickly — telling them that boarding up the building is mandatory. Costly contracts ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 are shoved in their face, and people are pressured to sign. Ratcheting up the pressure, crews tell people they could be at risk of increased liability without boarding the place up. In some case, there have even been stories of employees from different companies getting into fights, while trying to secure business.
County Legislator Dominick Thorne is among the lawmakers pushing for a solution. He’s proposed a bill that will require board-up crews to disclose they are not associated with any government agencies — and that the work is not mandatory. There would also be a 1,000 foot buffer zone established at active fire scenes — keeping crews away. Fines would go up from $1,000 to $5,000 — and violators would face up to a year in jail.
There was a similar law put into effect ten years ago. It required board-up companies to register with the county, but it lacked an enforcement mechanism. Now, enforcement powers could expand to county attorneys, prosecutors, code officers, and fire marshals.
Meanwhile, the Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Commission says they have received an increased number of complaints tied to aggressive or misleading tactics from these board-up crews. And there are plenty of chances for scammers to operate — in 2024 more than 5,000 calls cam in for structure fires.
Fire and recovery experts note there are plenty of reasons to push back against these companies beyond just the rude or borderline harassing behavior. Board-up companies can be hired at a later date — through insurance providers.
Legislators return to committee soon and a possible full vote is anticipated next month. Reports say County Executive Ed Romaine is likely to sign it into law if passed.
