The short answer
First Steps After a Fire
Your first priority is safety. Make sure all employees and customers are out of the building. Call 911 if there is any active fire or smoke. Wait for the fire department to give the all-clear before anyone re-enters. The structure may be unstable, and hidden hot spots can flare up.
Once the building is safe, secure the property. Board up broken windows and doors to keep out weather and trespassers. Turn off gas and electricity if it is safe to do so. Contact your insurance company right away to start the claims process. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Keep a flashlight and phone charger handy.
- Wear gloves and a mask if you must enter for a moment.
- Take photos of every affected room before any cleanup begins.
- List items you can see that are damaged or destroyed.
- Do not touch soot or ash with bare skin.
- Save receipts for any emergency supplies you buy.
Working with Fire Restoration Pros
Fire damage cleanup involves more than wiping away soot. The pros assess the extent of damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and HVAC systems. They use specialized equipment to remove smoke odor and clean surfaces. You need a professional who handles commercial fire damage regularly, not just a general cleaner.
Ask the pros about their process and what they will do first. They may need to remove damaged materials like drywall or insulation. They also check for water damage from firefighting efforts. Water can soak into porous materials and cause mold if not dried quickly. The pros will explain each step before they start.
- Ask for a written plan before work begins.
- Confirm which rooms they will clean first.
- Ask how they will handle smoke odor in the HVAC system.
- Find out what you need to do with valuable documents or electronics.
- Ask how long the process is likely to take.
- Keep a list of all questions you want to ask.
Dealing with Smoke and Soot
Smoke and soot can spread through the entire building, even in rooms far from the fire. They settle on surfaces, discolor paint, and leave a lingering odor. Do not try to clean soot yourself with household cleaners. Many products can smear the soot or push it deeper into surfaces.
The pros use special techniques to remove soot from walls, ceilings, and furniture. They may use dry sponges, vacuum systems, and chemical cleaners. Smoke odor can also penetrate fabrics, carpets, and upholstery. Professional cleaning often involves ozone or thermal fogging to neutralize odors at the source.
Water Damage from Firefighting
When firefighters put out a blaze, they use large amounts of water. That water can soak into floors, walls, and furniture. Even if the fire was small, water damage can be extensive. Standing water and damp materials can lead to mold growth within a day or two.
The pros will extract standing water and set up drying equipment. They may use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the building. If materials like drywall or carpet padding are too wet, they may need to be removed. Drying your building quickly is key to preventing additional damage.
- Do not walk through standing water if electricity may be on.
- Open windows if weather allows to help ventilation.
- Remove wet paperwork and move it to a dry area.
- Do not use fans if they might spread soot or ash.
- Keep a log of all water-damaged items you notice.
Preventing Future Fire Damage
After the cleanup, take time to review your fire safety plan. Check that smoke detectors are working and placed in all key areas. Make sure fire extinguishers are charged and accessible. Have an electrician inspect wiring if the fire was electrical. These steps can help you avoid a repeat incident.
Talk to someone now
Call (386) 272-5697 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
How long does commercial fire damage cleanup take?
The time depends on the size of the fire and the extent of damage. A small fire in one room may take a few days, while a large fire affecting the whole building can take weeks. The pros will give you a timeline after assessing the damage.
Can I clean fire damage myself to save money?
Cleaning soot and smoke odor is difficult and often requires professional equipment. Household cleaners can make things worse. For safety and thorough results, it is usually better to have the pros handle the cleanup. Your insurance company may cover the cost depending on your policy.
What should I do with damaged electronics and documents?
Do not turn on electronic devices that have been exposed to water or heat. Place them in a dry area and let the pros assess them. For important documents, keep them in a sealed plastic bag. A document restoration professional may be able to salvage them.