From Crisis to Recovery: How BMS CAT Helps After a Fire

 

In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis sits down with Cole Coulson, Vice President of Sales for BMS CAT, to explore the company’s front-line efforts during the recent Southern California wildfires and share practical guidance for property owners facing disasters.

Cole opens by recalling his first moments on the ground in the Palisades, Malibu and Altadena areas. “You see a lot on TV, but being there in person—witnessing streets closed by emergency crews, wearing masks against ash and soot—hits you differently,” he reflects. He describes the emotional weight of guiding homeowners back into their charred properties: “Some didn’t set foot in their homes for two weeks. Walking through that devastation with them was both heartbreaking and deeply rewarding.”

Transitioning to actionable advice, Cole emphasizes safety first: respiratory protection (proper masks), documenting pre- and post-loss conditions with thorough photographs, and securing valuables before evacuation. He points out common missteps—expecting a quick turnaround, re-entering unstable structures, or underestimating insurance processes—and urges patience and professional support.

Cole then breaks down BMS CAT’s turnkey approach, from boarding up and tarping vulnerable roofs to on-site deep cleaning, content and textile restoration, deodorization, and full reconstruction. “Insurance policies often cover the full spectrum—most people simply aren’t aware,” he notes. By managing every phase, BMS CAT becomes a single point of contact in a chaotic time, easing the burden on families and communities.

Looking ahead, Cole advises viewers to pre-plan evacuation routes, compile essential contact lists (family, insurers, contractors), and consider advanced measures—like foam-seal fire retardants—for high-risk properties. He concludes with a reminder that true resilience comes from preparation: “Disaster isn’t about if, but when—it pays to know who to call.”

Whether you manage a single home or a multi-building campus, this conversation equips you with empathy, expertise, and field-tested strategies to face the next big event with confidence.

Follow Along for More Episodes!

Recent Episodes

Trade school enrollment climbed 4.9% between fall 2020 and fall 2023, signaling a national shift toward skills-based careers as alternatives to four-year degrees. This modest but meaningful rebound underscores growing interest in trades like HVACR, where demand is high, but representation remains lopsided. For decades, women in the field have been overlooked despite playing…

The HVAC industry is evolving, and with it, the roles within the sector are expanding beyond traditional boundaries. Amid rising tuition costs and strong demand for skilled labor, young people are increasingly choosing trade schools over a traditional college education. With such a shift highlighting the need for a more diverse workforce, the questions…

In an industry grappling with unprecedented changes, from liquid cooling innovations to bridging labor gaps, the HVAC world is evolving rapidly. With sustainability and efficiency becoming central themes, it’s a critical moment for rethinking solutions and workforce development. The stakes are high—data centers alone, for instance, are expected to account for 3-4% of global…