Wildfire Recovery Archaeology (WFRA)
Since 2018, WFRA has specialized in private, on-site item recovery, helping disaster victims reclaim treasured possessions before debris removal erases them. From heirloom jewelry and coin collections to ceramics and surviving papers, our goal is to recover as much as possible.
Our Process
Using traditional and specialized excavation techniques, we pinpoint key areas within a site to begin recovery. We carefully analyze:
✔️ Fall patterns & site layers
✔️ Proximity to known markers
✔️ Shifts in debris movement
We start by removing large debris like walls, appliances, and hazards, then work downward in sections, adjusting as needed to preserve items in their original positions.
Why Choose WFRA?
We understand the immense loss and uncertainty disaster victims face. Our methodical approach prioritizes preservation over disruption, ensuring items remain intact. Unlike rapid raking and sifting, which can damage or lose small valuables, our excavation techniques maintain structure, improving recovery success.
🔹 Precision & Efficiency – We work swiftly to protect sites from weather, looting, and further disturbances before Phase II debris removal begins.
🔹 Client-Focused Approach – We collaborate with you to identify key recovery areas, respecting both your time and financial resources.
🔹 Environmental & Health Safety – Our techniques minimize toxic debris exposure, reducing air contamination and further pollution.
Our Mission
We believe item recovery is a humanitarian right, not a luxury. Beyond serving our clients, our work contributes through research that we hope will secure funding and integration of this work within currently established disaster response phases.
How We Stand Out
✔️ Undisturbed Debris = Higher Recovery Rates – We follow an ordered excavation process (2-1-3-4 method) to maximize success.
✔️ Pattern Recognition – Collapsed floors, insulation pockets, and coin degradation guide our recovery strategy.
✔️ Respect for Your Loss – We aim to provide closure, eliminating the uncertainty of “what if” and “where is it now?”
When disaster takes so much, we help recover what remains. Let’s get started.
