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Trusted Fire Damage Restoration Services
Somebody forgets to turn off the air fryer. A bathroom vent fan overheats. In the garage, the golf cart’s battery explodes. Wherever you go in your home, the risk of fire is always there. And even if a fire’s contained in one area, smoke and soot can travel throughout the house.
With a house fire, damage from the fire itself is only part of the story. Smoke, soot, and water used to put out the fire cause problems all their own. Smoke and soot can be hazardous for your family, friends, and pets. Of course, water damage can lead to mold and structural issues.
SERVPRO is available around the clock to help with your fire emergency. Our professionals are highly trained, with the experience, tools, and knowledge to clean up the fire damage, remove the smell of smoke, and make any repairs to return your home to its pre-loss condition, “Like it never even happened.”
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Everything you need to make it “Like it never even happened.”
The sooner fire damage is addressed, the easier and quicker it will be to get your home back to its pre-loss condition. At SERVPRO, we’re ready 24/7 with a range of services to address your home’s specific needs.
Water Removal & Drying
Immediately extract standing water from firefighting efforts, dry the structure, and monitor moisture to prevent mold.
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Damaged Material Removal & Structural Cleaning
After tearing out charred materials, we clean smoke and soot from walls, ceilings, and salvageable framing.
Odor Removal
Eliminate the smoke odor at its source, including in HVAC systems, wall cavities, and porous materials using proprietary techniques.
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Contents Packout & Restoration
Fire can damage furniture, photos, documents, and more. We offer packing, cleaning, restoration, and secure storage for your belongings.
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Reconstruction & Remodeling
After cleanup, SERVPRO offers reconstruction and remodeling services to return your home to its pre-loss condition (or even better).
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What to Do After a Fire
While waiting for help to arrive, safety is key. Follow these tips:
- Assess whether it’s safe to stay in the house. Consider any guidance from first responders.
- Watch for electrical hazards and debris.
- Only attempt activities that are safe for you to perform.
- Wet materials can be very heavy. Wait for officials to clear the structure first.
- If your home is safe to enter and weather permits, open windows and doors to “air out” the structure and help remove the smoke smell.
- Only take photos from a safe distance until officials give you the "all clear."
Our Expert Restoration Process
The moment you call, our team moves quickly to protect your property and begin recovery. We follow a proven, step-by-step process to return your home to its pre-loss condition.
Assess
Inspect, document, and plan your restoration.
Secure
Board-up and tarping for security and to prevent further damage.
Clean
We remove affected materials and clean restorable surfaces.
Restore
Rebuild and restore your space to pre-loss condition.
Why Choose SERVPRO for Fire Damage?
#1 in the Cleanup and Restoration Industry
We’re a trusted leader in the fire damage restoration industry, with 59+ years of experience in cleanup and restoration.
24/7 Emergency Service
A fire can break out at any time, and our Customer Care Center is ready to take your call, day or night. Contact us 24/7 for fire cleanup, smoke damage, and fire damage restoration.
Highly Trained Fire Restoration Specialists
Our fire damage restoration professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to get the job done. We focus on cleaning up fire damage, restoring salvageable items, and providing top-notch reconstruction.
One Call Does It All
Given the breadth of our expertise and capabilities, along with our commitment to helping you take care of our home, all you have to do is give us a call. We're ready to handle practically any emergency—from start to finish.
SERVPRO Helps with the Insurance Claim Process
At SERVPRO, we understand that property damage can be overwhelming. With decades of experience, SERVPRO can help document damage and provide information related to the services performed that can assist customers during the insurance claim process.
When property damage occurs, a rapid response can help limit further damage and may reduce overall restoration costs.
Not going through insurance? Ask about our self-pay and finance options.
Customer Restorations
Fire Damage Resources
When you’re facing fire damage, it's understandable that you’d have questions. We’ve compiled this collection of resources, so when disaster strikes, you can quickly find the answers you need.
Fire Damage Emergency Tips
After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:Is it safe to stay in the house?Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!What To Do After A FireLimit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.Change HVAC filter.Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.What NOT To Do After A FireDon't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your local SERVPRO.Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
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Classes of Fire: Understanding the Different Types of Fire
Understanding the Different Types of FiresDid you know there are five different “classes” or categories of fire based on the substance that fuels them? Beyond that, there are different ways each fire should be put out, depending on its class. If you’ve ever wondered whether the type of fire in your kitchen is the same as the one caused by faulty wiring, it’s not. Knowing the types of fire can help you react better in the event of a fire emergency. No matter what kind of fire breaks out in your home, SERPRO offers fire damage restoration services to help get your house back to normal after the flames are extinguished. Key TakeawaysThere are five types of fire classes, each defined by its fuel source: A, B, C, D, and K. Using the wrong extinguisher on certain fires can make the situation much worse. Every home should have the right type of fire extinguisher in key areas, such as the kitchen, garage, and laundry room. Knowing when to leave your home during a fire is just as important as knowing how to fight it. If a fire damages your home, SERVPRO is available 24/7 to handle the fire damage restoration process from start to finish. The Five Classes of FireAccording to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), there are five classes of fire. Understanding each type of fire begins with learning what fuels it. The source of the fire determines how it behaves and how you should handle it. Fire Type Source What’s Burning Where It Happens How to Put It Out Class A Ordinary combustibles Wood, paper, cloth, trash, some plastics Homes, offices, warehouses Water, foam, or dry chemical extinguisher Class B Flammable liquids/gases Gasoline, propane, grease, oil Garages, labs, industrial facilities CO2, dry chemical, or foam extinguisher (never water) Class C Electrical equipment Wiring, appliances, electrical components Homes, commercial and industrial buildings CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher (never water) Class D Combustible metals Sodium, magnesium, aluminum Chemical plants, factories, laboratories Dry powder extinguisher specifically rated for Class D Class K Cooking oils and fats Vegetable/animal oils, fats Commercial and residential kitchens Wet chemical extinguisher Class A FiresClass A fires are a common type of fire that starts in a home. Think of a fireplace that gets out of hand, a trash can fire in the garage or burning leaves in the back yard. As OSHA notes, a good rule of thumb is that if a material leaves ash behind when it burns, it qualifies as a Class A fire. Source Materials Include: Wood and lumber Paper and cardboard Cloth and upholstery Trash and yard debris Some plastics How to Extinguish: Water Foam Dry chemical (ABC-rated) fire extinguisher Where It Happens: Throughout the home Garages Attics Outdoor spaces Class B FiresClass B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, including gasoline, solvents, propane, and some oils and greases. These are the kinds of things you might store in your garage or shed without giving it too much thought. Fires can happen when a gas grill flares up or propane leaks near a heat source. Unlike Class A fires, you don’t want to pour water on a Class B fire. The best way to put out a gas fire is to smother the flame. Source Materials Include: Gasoline and diesel fuel Propane and natural gas Grease and oil Paint and solvents Lighter fluid How to Extinguish: CO2 Dry chemical or foam extinguisher Never use water! (It can spread the fire) Where It Happens: Garages KitchensOutdoor grilling areas Workshops Class C FiresClass C fires involve energized electrical components, and they’re more common in a home than many people realize. Faulty wiring, an overloaded outlet, a malfunctioning appliance, or an aging electrical panel can all start a Class C fire. The most important thing to remember is that when electronics are involved in a fire, water’s not the answer. Water conducts electricity and can turn a small electrical fire into a much more dangerous situation. Source Materials Include: Faulty or damaged wiring Electrical panels and circuit breakers Appliances and power tools Outlets and extension cords Lighting fixtures How to Extinguish: CO2 Dry chemical extinguisher only Never use water! Where It Happens: Throughout the home Kitchens Laundry rooms Basements Utility areas Class D FiresClass D fires are caused by metal and/or flammable metallic materials like sodium, magnesium, or aluminum. While this type of fire is rare in residential settings, homeowners with workshops or hobby spaces for metalworking can be at risk. Class D fires burn extremely hot and can be hard to control. If you experience a Class D fire, don’t reach for a standard fire extinguisher. Instead, always keep a fire extinguisher rated for Class D fires on hand if you work with metal at home. Source Materials Include: Magnesium Sodium Aluminum shavings or powder Titanium Potassium How to Extinguish: Dry powder extinguisher specifically rated for Class D fires Do not use a standard fire extinguisher Where It Happens: Factories Chemical plants Laboratories Home metal fabrication workshops Class K FiresOf all the types of fires that can happen in the home, Class K fires are often the most common kitchen threat. Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats, and cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. For example, a pan of overheated oil or a deep fryer that gets too hot can escalate into a serious Class K fire in seconds. Source Materials Include: Vegetable oils Animal fats Butter and lard Commercial frying oils How to Extinguish: Wet chemical extinguisher Covering pan with lid Don’t use water Where It Happens: Kitchens How to Put Out Different Types of FireBecause the different types of fire classes originate from different sources, they require different methods to be put out. For example, as noted above, water should not be used to extinguish Class C (or even Class B) fires, as this might cause electrical shock or the fire to spread even further. Put the right types of fire extinguishers in key areas of your home, including the kitchen, garage, and laundry room. If a fire flares up, take a beat to assess the situation. Ask yourself: Is the fire small and contained or is it growing? Is smoke filling the room? Do I know what’s burning and which extinguisher to use? Is my exit path clear? Ultimately, when using a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym “PASS.” “P” for Pull: Pull the fire extinguisher pin. “A” for Aim: Use the nozzle to aim at the base of the fire. “S” for Squeeze: Squeeze the trigger, allowing the product to release. “S” for Sweep: With a sweeping motion, slowly move the nozzle from side to side. Knowing when not to fight a fire is just as important as knowing how. If the fire is larger than a small wastebasket, if smoke’s blocking your exit, or you feel uncertain about the type of fire, don’t try to put it out yourself. Get everyone out of the house immediately, close doors behind you to slow the spread, and call 911 from a safe location. For Any Type of Fire Damage Cleanup, SERVPRO is Here to HelpWhen there’s a fire in your home, it can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming events of your life. Whether it’s a kitchen grease fire or an electrical blaze, figuring out what to do afterward can feel daunting. That’s exactly where SERVPRO comes in. SERVPRO is prepared to provide 24-hour emergency cleanup, restoration, and reconstruction services year-round to help return your property to pre-loss condition. Regardless of what type of fire affected your home, the fire damage restoration process typically involves the same key steps: Emergency board-up and roof tarping to secure your home Water removal if firefighting efforts caused water damage Smoke and soot removal from walls, ceilings, and surfaces Odor elimination using professional-grade deodorization equipment Contents cleaning and restoration, including furniture, documents, and personal belongings Reconstruction of any areas too damaged to restore SERVPRO is the #1 choice in fire and water cleanup and restoration. We’ll handle every step of your fire damage restoration process with care, professionalism, and genuine understanding of what you’re going through. You don’t have to face this alone. Find a SERVPRO location near you today. FAQsHow many classes of fire are there?There are five classes of fire, each defined by the material that fuels it. The five classes are: Class A Class B Class C Class D Class K Knowing which class a fire belongs to is critical because using the wrong extinguisher can make certain fires worse and more dangerous. What are the classes of fire? The five types of fire are defined by their fuel source. Class A fires burn ordinary combustibles like wood and paper. Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases. Class C fires involve electrical equipment. Class D fires involve combustible metals. Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats Why does the type of fire matter?The type of fire tells you how it should be extinguished. Using the wrong method, like spraying water on a grease fire or an electrical fire, can cause the fire to spread. Identifying the fuel source of a fire will help you respond the right way to protect your home and family. How does the fire restoration process change for different types of fire?The fire damage restoration process will vary depending on what burned in a home. Grease fires leave heavy residue that requires special degreasers. Electrical fires often cause hidden damage inside walls. Chemical and metal fires may involve hazardous materials that need special handling. SERVPRO can develop a tailored restoration plan for any type of fire in your home.
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How to Put Out a Fire in 5 Ways
How Can You Put Out a Fire?Every 96 seconds, a house fire breaks out in the United States. A statistic like that can strike fear into the heart of every homeowner. No one ever wants to see flames crackling to life in their home. The key, however, is not to ignore the possibility of fire but to be prepared if to happens. How can you put out a fire to keep your family and home safe? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) organizes fires into five fire categories. In this article, we’ll discuss the best way to approach a home fire depending on its category as well as other important factors. Key TakeawaysBefore putting out a fire, check whether it’s actually safe to try. If the fire’s spreading quickly or blocking your exit, just get out and call 911. Knowing the type of fire you’re dealing with matters. Water works on some fires and makes others worse. Some of the most effective ways of extinguishing a fire include using an extinguisher, pouring water on the fire, smothering it with a blanket or lid, using baking soda, and cutting off the fuel or heat source. Even after the flames are out, hidden damage like smoke, soot, and lingering heat can remain. If fire damages your home, SERVPRO is ready 24/7 to help restore your property. Before Putting Out a Fire, Decide Whether It Is SafeYour safety and the safety of your family members and housemates are always your number one priority when a fire breaks out at home. In 2024, structure fires caused over 10,000 civilian injuries and more than 3,000 deaths. Don’t become part of this year’s unfortunate statistic! If you spot a fire or smell smoke, get everyone to leave the house and then call 911. Keep your exit path clear and behind you at all times. Only consider putting out the fire if it’s small (no bigger than a wastebasket) and not growing. If smoke starts filling the room, you’re not sure what’s burning, or your attempts to put out the flames aren’t working, close the door and leave your house. Don’t go back in. Know the Fire Type Before Choosing a MethodEvery fire needs three things to burn: heat, fuel, and oxygen. To put out a fire, you must remove one of these elements or break the chemical reaction feeding the fire. As we mentioned earlier, the NFPA breaks fires down into five categories based on their fuel type: Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, and other ordinary combustibles Class B: Flammable liquids and gases, like gasoline or propane Class C: Live electrical equipment or wiring Class D: Combustible metals, such as magnesium or titanium Class K: Cooking oils and fats When you know which class of fire you’re dealing with, you can choose the right method to put it out. Using the wrong method on the wrong fire type can make the fire much worse. 5 Ways of Extinguishing a Small Fire A fire pops up in your kitchen or garage—and your heart jumps into your throat. Before you panic, take a breath. The best way to extinguish a fire depends entirely on what’s burning and whether the fire is manageable. If the fire is small and isn’t growing, then there are five common ways to take action: 1. Use the Correct Fire ExtinguisherIn many cases, the fastest and most effective way to fight a fire is to use a fire extinguisher. But there’s a big caveat. Not all extinguishers are the same or work for all types of fire. It’s smart to stock your house with different types of extinguishers that can work on every class of fire. Next, make sure you know how to use an extinguisher. The PASS acronym can help: Pull the pin Aim at the base Squeeze the handle Sweep across the fire 2. Cool a Small Class A Fire With WaterIf you have a Class A fire in your home, try pouring water on it. Water can cool or douse a small fire involving wood, paper, or cloth. Just make sure you know what’s causing the fire. Never use water on cooking oil, flammable liquids, or electrical equipment. 3. Smother a Small Cooking Fire with a Fire Blanket or LidIt’s easy to take your eyes off the stove for just a moment, only to find flames licking inside the pan when you turn around. First, turn off the burners. Then, if it’s safe, slide a metal lid or a fire blanket over the pan to cut off its oxygen supply. Leave the blanket or lid in place until the pan cools completely. 4. Use Baking Soda for a Very Small Grease FireIf you aren’t keeping a close eye on your stove, the cooking oil in your pan can get too hot and ignite. Water won’t work on a grease fire. Instead, pour a generous amount of baking soda onto the fire. This can help suppress the flames by releasing carbon dioxide as it hits the heat. Never use flour, sugar, or baking powder, since these can make the fire worse. 5. Remove the Heat or Fuel Source When It Is SafeAnother way to stop a fire is to starve it. If you’ve got a fire on the stove, turn off the burner if it’s safe. If smoke is coming out of an appliance, unplug it as long as there’s no heat or smoke near the plug. Likewise, you can also shut off your home’s gas supply if you can reach the valve without going near any flames. It bears repeating: never enter a hazardous area or touch damaged electrical equipment. When You Should Not Try to Put Out the FireSome fires just aren’t worth fighting. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to get yourself and your family out of the house immediately: The fire is bigger than a wastebasket. It’s spreading past where it started. Thick smoke is filling the room. It’s blocking your path to the exit. You don’t know what’s fueling it. Your attempts to stop the fire aren’t working. When evacuating your home, close doors behind you if possible. Call 911 once you’re safely out of the house. Don’t go back for anything. No item in your home is worth more than you and your family. What to Do After a Fire Is ExtinguishedJust because the flames are out doesn’t mean your home is now safe. Fires can reignite from hidden embers. Wait until the fire department gives you the all-clear before going back inside. Also, leave wiring, appliances, and damaged materials alone until the authorities confirm that they’re safe to handle. Even after the flames are gone, fire usually leaves behind smoke, soot, and lingering odors. You may also be facing water damage from the firefighting efforts. All of this damage calls for a professional assessment and fire damage restoration. Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage RestorationKnowing how you can put out a fire only covers the first few minutes of an emergency. Once the flames are gone and the firefighters release your property, the real recovery work begins. SERVPRO can assess the smoke, soot, odor, water, and structural damage in your home and then begin the fire damage restoration process. If you’ve had a fire in your house, start the recovery process now. Find your local SERVPRO. FAQsHow Can You Put Out a Fire?You may be able to put out a small fire by knowing the fire class (in other words, what’s burning). The best way to put out a fire is often to use an extinguisher rated for that fire along with the PASS technique. Always evacuate your home if the fire grows or you can’t put it out. Can You Put Out a Fire Without a Fire Extinguisher?You may be able to put out very small fires without a fire extinguisher. Try smothering the flames with a fire blanket or metal lid. You can also use water on Class A fires. Don’t attempt to put out a fire that’s spreading. What Should You Never Use to Put Out a Fire?Don’t use water on grease, electrical, or flammable liquid fires. In these cases, water can spread the flames or cause a shock. Never use flour, sugar, or baking powder on a grease fire either, as these can cause the fire to get worse.
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What damage can fire cause?
What damage can fire cause?
Not all fires result in the same level of damage. The extent of fire damage varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including:
- The source of the fire.
- How hot the fire got, and the amount of smoke created.
- How long the fire raged before intervention or firefighters stopped it.
- The amount of water or substance needed to extinguish the fire.
The severity of the fire situation greatly impacts the extent of damage. This can range from minor smoke and soot contained to just a portion of the home, to extensive structural damage that must be rebuilt. Once your home or business is deemed safe for entry, SERVPRO technicians will inspect and assess the level of damage to help determine the plan of action. We will categorize your fire damage upon inspection into one of three categories.
- Minor Fire Damage – Light to moderate smoke and soot was contained to just a portion of the building. Restoration needs include dry or wet cleaning and deodorization to walls, ceiling, floor and personal property, with little or no repainting. Very few items need replaced.
- Medium Fire Damage – Moderate smoke and soot requiring more aggressive cleaning and deodorization techniques to remove residue. More areas need repainting. Heat has caused more extensive damage to surfaces and materials which may require more items to need repair or replacement.
- Major Fire Damage – Severe fire damage to contents, finished surfaces and even structural framing. Smoke has infiltrated the majority of the building, and emergency intervention like board-up of windows and doors, or roof tarping, is required right away. Personal property items will likely need to be moved out of the structure for cleaning off-site. All remaining surfaces will be cleaned and deodorized in preparation for painting and repairs.
What items can survive a house fire?
What items can survive a house fire?
Surprisingly, many items subjected to heat, smoke, and soot can be cleaned and restored to their original state. SERVPRO team members are specially trained in methods that effectively remove extensive smoke and soot residues. Depending on the severity, we may move some items off-site to ensure a thorough cleaning and restoration in our state-of-the-art facilities. SERVPRO also staffs and maintains close relationships with industry experts who specialize in electronics restoration, dry cleaning of delicate fabrics, furniture repair and refinishing, artwork, and document restoration. However, know that some items burned by direct flame may not be salvageable.
Can smoke damage be removed?
Can smoke damage be removed?
Yes! Smoke and soot damage can be stubborn, but SERVPRO employees are specially trained in the most effective residue removal methods. SERVPRO also has specialty cleaning tools and products that were developed exclusively for fire restoration. Anytime an item is deemed salvageable, we will work to clean it ourselves or coordinate with a vendor who performs specialty cleaning for that specific item type.
How do you know if you have smoke damage?
How do you know if you have smoke damage?
What you smell, see, and even feel on surfaces can be an indication that smoke and soot have affected your property. Your property may not have even been directly affected by flames, such as homes near a wildfire. Simply knowing that contaminates may be present is not enough. SERVPRO technicians conduct a thorough inspection and pre-testing of surfaces to allow you to better understand what surfaces are affected, the degree of damage, and map out where the smoke and soot have migrated throughout your home. This is the only way to know the presence and potential extent of the damage.
How is fire damage to a home repaired?
How is fire damage to a home repaired?
There are five different services involved when a home or business is damaged by fire. Our technicians are specially trained to handle this complex process that aims to get you back in your property as soon as possible.
- Mitigation – We’ll secure your property to prevent further damage. Any openings to the home will be boarded up, bulk debris removed, and corrosion mitigation begun in order to increase the likelihood of restoration of sensitive surfaces. If water damage from firefighting efforts has occurred, we’ll work to remove water and begin the drying process.
- Structural Cleaning and Damaged Material Removal – Non-salvageable surfaces and materials will be carefully removed and disposed. Smoke residues will be removed from salvageable walls, ceilings, and structural components of the property.
- Contents Cleaning – Your personal property will receive expert focus, with cleaning taking place right there or off-site, depending on the situation.
- Specialty Restoration Services – If there is anything that requires special attention (electronics, art, furniture refinishing), we’ll ensure a specialist is tasked to complete the work.
- Reconstruction – Sometimes, we have to build back areas that were too damaged to restore.
How much does it cost to fix a fire damaged house?
How much does it cost to fix a fire damaged house?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost for a structure fire was $25,545 in 2019. The cost to fix a fire damaged property varies greatly and depends on the severity of fire and its effect on surfaces and materials, the size of the structure, and amount of contents affected. SERVPRO uses the most widely accepted industry-standard pricing for services provided.
Who is liable for fire damage?
Who is liable for fire damage?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover fire damage, including repairs to your home and its contents through dwelling and personal property coverage. You should also check your policy for personal liability or personal umbrella insurance, which may help cover a situation where a fire in your home spread to a neighboring residence.
SERVPRO will work closely with you and your insurance company to navigate through the claims process, helping to take the stress away from you as a property owner in this situation.
How much damage do grease fires cause annually?
How much damage do grease fires cause annually?
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. From 2014-2016, there were 188,800 cooking fires in residential buildings that caused $463 million in property loss. Unattended equipment was a major cause for these fires starting, which resulted in 3,800 injuries and 195 deaths.
How to clean after fire damage?
How to clean after fire damage?
The majority of cleaning after a fire is working to soot residues from the structure and contents of the home or business. We have a specific process we follow, which is tailored to each fire damage situation.
How to prevent fire damage?
How to prevent fire damage?
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that cooking, followed by heating, are the top two leading causes of home fires. You can help prevent fire damage by:
- Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside bedrooms.
- Staying in the kitchen when cooking, or by the grill when grilling.
- Turning oven burners off and making sure the stove area is clear of other materials.
- Keeping anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, heaters, etc.
- Unplug or turn heaters off when you’re not in the room.
- Have heating systems and chimneys inspected regularly.
What is the first thing I should do after a fire?
What is the first thing I should do after a fire?
Experiencing a fire to your home or business can be traumatic and stressful, and knowing what to do after a fire can seem overwhelming. First, contact a local disaster relief agency and your insurance company for immediate assistance, especially if you’ve been displaced. Try to locate any necessary documents you’ll need, like a driver’s license and other records, but don’t enter the structure unless the fire department has deemed it safe for you to do so, first.
Can fire damage concrete?
Can fire damage concrete?
Fire can damage concrete due to the high temperatures involved. Older concrete that gets exposed to extreme temperatures becomes dehydrated, as the water inside it turns to vapor, but is still trapped inside. When the water vapor can no longer expand, pressure builds up and concrete can explode.
Because of this phenomenon, you should never build a fire pit using concrete materials as it could be incredibly dangerous.
Because of this phenomenon, you should never build a fire pit using concrete materials as it could be incredibly dangerous.
How do I secure my property after the fire?
How do I secure my property after the fire?
Don’t go back into your home unless the fire department has told you it’s safe to do so. It’s a good idea to contact your city police department to let them know what has happened, and that you’ll be away. Board up any broken windows or open doorways if needed, or call SERVPRO to help with this task.
Can I inspect my house after the fire?
Can I inspect my house after the fire?
Your home may not be safe to re-enter. If the fire department has given you permission to do so, you can go in and retrieve vital items. However, depending on the level of damage, it’s best to allow a professional inspector to determine the structure is safe, first.
Do I really need professional cleanup if the fire was small?
Do I really need professional cleanup if the fire was small?
Most likely, yes. Smoke and soot residues from a small fire, or even from a neighboring fire, can cause extensive damage to walls, ceilings and contents in a home. This residue will need to be professionally removed or damage and odor can worsen over time.
What should I do with all the water that was used to put out the fire?
What should I do with all the water that was used to put out the fire?
Water leftover from firefighting activities should be removed by professionals. SERVPRO technicians are specially trained in both fire and water damage restoration, using specialized equipment, tools and products. Our experts can properly remove the water and dry the home so that no further damage is caused by the standing water, like mold.
Can I stay in my home during the fire damage restoration process?
Can I stay in my home during the fire damage restoration process?
Depending on the severity of the fire and how your home is configured, it may be possible to stay in your home. If smoke and soot damage is contained to one portion of the building only, this sometimes allows for occupants to remain. However, many times this is not the case, as smoke generally creeps all throughout the structure. Your insurance agent can explain what hotel/off-site provisions your policy allows, which may be more comfortable for you during this process.
How long will the fire restoration process take?
How long will the fire restoration process take?
The timeline for a fire restoration varies greatly, and depends on the severity of fire, smoke and soot damage. The size of the building and the amount of contents also helps determine the length of time for restoration. SERVPRO technicians will complete a full scope of work at the beginning of the project and will provide you with an estimated timeline so you know what to expect.
Whatever it Takes to Make it “Like It Never Even Happened.”
We offer a number of complementary services to ensure the success of your fire damage restoration project.
