fire restoration

Only after the fire department says the structure is safe. Even then, soot and smoke residue can irritate lungs and skin, so wear an N95 mask and gloves, keep children and pets out, and don't turn on the HVAC system until it has been inspected, because it can spread soot through the entire house.

Many items can be saved. Hard goods, furniture, many fabrics, and electronics can often be professionally cleaned and deodorized. Food, medicine, cosmetics, and anything that was exposed to high heat should be discarded. Don't try to wipe soot off walls or upholstery yourself; rubbing can push it deeper into the material and make the stain permanent.

Smoke particles are extremely small and get into drywall, insulation, wall cavities, ductwork, and porous furniture. Surface cleaning removes what you see, but odor stays until those hidden areas are cleaned and the odor is neutralized with methods such as thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators, or ozone treatment, followed by sealing affected framing when needed.

Almost always. Firefighting can put thousands of gallons of water into a home, which soaks floors, walls, and insulation. That water has to be extracted and dried promptly or mold can follow the fire damage. We handle fire, smoke, and water damage together so you are not coordinating separate companies.

Fire is one of the most commonly covered perils on standard homeowners policies, including smoke damage and the water used to put the fire out. Document everything with photos, keep receipts for emergency expenses, and don't throw away damaged items until your adjuster has seen them or approved disposal. We provide detailed documentation and can work directly with your adjuster.