Frequently Asked Questions

Not all fires cause equal damage. The severity of fire damage varies based on several factors: 

• The origin of the fire. 
• The intensity and volume of smoke generated. 
• The duration of the fire before it was contained or extinguished. 
• The amount of water or other substances used to suppress the fire. 

The extent of fire damage can range significantly, from minor smoke and soot affecting a limited area of a home or business, to extensive structural damage necessitating reconstruction. Once the property is safe to enter, SERVPRO technicians conduct a thorough assessment to determine the appropriate course of action. Fire damage is categorized into three levels: 

• Minor Fire Damage: Light to moderate smoke and soot confined to a specific section of the building. Restoration typically involves dry or wet cleaning, deodorization of walls, ceilings, floors, and personal belongings, with minimal or no repainting needed. Few items require replacement. 
• Medium Fire Damage: Moderate smoke and soot requiring more intensive cleaning and deodorization methods to eliminate residues. More areas may need repainting due to heat damage affecting surfaces and materials, necessitating additional repairs or replacements. 
• Major Fire Damage: Severe damage to contents, finished surfaces, and possibly structural elements. Smoke has permeated throughout most of the structure, necessitating immediate emergency measures such as window and door board-ups or roof tarping. Personal belongings often require off-site cleaning. All remaining surfaces undergo thorough cleaning and deodorization in preparation for extensive painting and repairs.

It may come as a surprise that many items exposed to heat, smoke, and soot can be successfully cleaned and restored to their original condition. SERVPRO technicians are extensively trained in effective methods for removing these residues. Depending on the severity of the damage, certain items may be relocated off-site for thorough cleaning and restoration at our advanced facilities. SERVPRO also collaborates closely with specialized industry professionals who excel in restoring electronics, delicately cleaning fabrics through dry cleaning processes, repairing and refinishing furniture, preserving artwork, and restoring documents. However, it’s important to note that items directly burned by flames may not be recoverable. 

Smoke and soot damage can be challenging, but SERVPRO technicians are highly trained in the most efficient methods for removing residues. We utilize specialized cleaning tools and products specifically designed for fire restoration. Whenever an item is deemed recoverable, we take every effort to clean it ourselves or collaborate with specialized vendors who excel in cleaning that particular type of item.

The sensory signs of smoke and soot—what you smell, see, and feel on surfaces—can indicate their impact on your property. Even homes near wildfires may experience this without direct flame contact. Simply suspecting contaminants isn’t sufficient. SERVPRO technicians perform detailed inspections and pre-tests of surfaces. This helps you understand which areas are affected, the extent of damage, and how smoke and soot have spread throughout your home. It’s the essential step to accurately assess and determine the full scope of damage present. 

When a home or business suffers fire damage, our technicians are trained to manage a comprehensive process designed to swiftly return you to your property. 

• Mitigation – We secure your property to prevent further damage, including boarding up openings, removing bulk debris, and starting corrosion mitigation. If there’s water damage from firefighting efforts, we initiate water removal and begin drying. 
• Structural Cleaning and Removal of Damaged Materials – Non-salvageable materials are carefully removed and disposed of. Smoke residues are cleaned from salvageable walls, ceilings, and structural components. 
• Contents Cleaning – Expert cleaning of your personal belongings occurs on-site or off-site as needed. 
• Specialty Restoration Services – Specialists handle items requiring special attention such as electronics, artwork, and furniture refinishing. 
• Reconstruction – Areas too damaged to restore may require rebuilding.

As reported by the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost for repairing a structure after a fire was $25,545 in 2019. The expense of restoring a fire-damaged property can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as the severity of the fire’s impact on surfaces and materials, the size of the structure, and the extent of contents affected. SERVPRO adheres to industry-standard pricing for all services rendered.

Many homeowner’s insurance policies typically include coverage for fire damage, encompassing repairs to both your home and its contents under dwelling and personal property coverage. It’s advisable to review your policy for additional coverage like personal liability or personal umbrella insurance, which could assist in cases where a fire spreads to neighboring residences. 

SERVPRO will collaborate closely with you and your insurance provider to guide you through the claims process, alleviating stress for you as a property owner during this challenging time

Many homeowner’s insurance policies typically include coverage for fire damage, encompassing repairs to both your home and its contents under dwelling and personal property coverage. It’s advisable to review your policy for additional coverage like personal liability or personal umbrella insurance, which could assist in cases where a fire spreads to neighboring residences. 

SERVPRO will collaborate closely with you and your insurance provider to guide you through the claims process, alleviating stress for you as a property owner during this challenging time.

Most of the cleaning after a fire involves removing soot residues from both the structure and contents of the home or business. Our approach is methodical and customized to address the unique circumstances of each fire damage incident.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking and heating are the primary causes of home fires. To reduce the risk of fire damage, consider these preventive measures: 

• Install smoke alarms on each floor of your home and outside sleeping areas. 
• Stay attentive in the kitchen while cooking or near the grill during grilling sessions. 
• Ensure oven burners are turned off and keep the stove area clear of flammable materials. 
• Maintain a three-foot clearance around fireplaces, heaters, and other heat sources. 
• Turn off or unplug heaters when not in use. 
• Schedule regular inspections for heating systems and chimneys to ensure safety.

Facing a fire at your home or business can be a deeply distressing experience, and navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Begin by reaching out to a local disaster relief organization and your insurance company promptly for immediate assistance, particularly if you are displaced. Gather essential documents such as your driver’s license and important records, but refrain from entering the structure until the fire department has declared it safe to do so.

Fire can harm concrete by subjecting it to extreme temperatures. When old concrete is exposed to high heat, the water trapped inside turns to vapor, leading to dehydration. As the vapor cannot escape and expand further, it creates pressure, which may cause the concrete to explode. 

Due to this risk, using concrete materials for constructing fire pits is strongly discouraged due to the potential danger involved.

Only re-enter your home once authorized by the fire department. Inform your local police department about the incident and your absence. If necessary, secure any broken windows or open doorways by boarding them up, or contact SERVPRO for assistance with this task.

If the fire department has granted permission, you can enter your home to retrieve essential items. However, considering the extent of damage, it is advisable to wait for a professional inspector to verify the safety of the structure beforehand.

Most likely, yes. Smoke and soot residues, whether from a small fire or a nearby fire, can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and contents within a home. Professional removal of these residues is necessary to prevent worsening damage and odors over time.

Water remaining from firefighting efforts should be extracted by professionals. Home Disaster Medics technicians are highly trained in both fire and water damage restoration, equipped with specialized tools, equipment, and products. Our experts ensure thorough water removal and effective drying of the home to prevent additional damage such as mold growth caused by standing water.

Depending on the fire’s severity and your home’s layout, it might be feasible to stay in your residence. If smoke and soot damage are confined to a specific area of the building, occupants may sometimes remain. However, often smoke permeates throughout the entire structure, making it impractical to stay. Your insurance agent can clarify the provisions in your policy regarding accommodation such as hotels or off-site locations, which may offer more comfort during this period.

The duration of fire restoration can vary significantly based on the extent of fire, smoke, and soot damage. Factors such as the size of the building and the quantity of contents also influence the restoration timeline. Home Disaster Medics technicians conduct a comprehensive assessment at the project’s outset and provide you with an estimated timeline, ensuring clarity on what to anticipate throughout the process.