Fire damage is often water damage too
Firefighting puts a lot of water into a home. After a fire, restoration usually covers the burned areas, smoke and soot throughout the house, and drying out the water used to put the fire out.
Typical steps
- Securing the property: board-up and roof tarping
- Water extraction and drying
- Soot and smoke residue cleaning on surfaces and contents
- Odor removal, which can include cleaning HVAC ducts
- Content cleaning or inventory of items that cannot be saved
Safety first
Do not re-enter until the fire department says the building is safe. Avoid turning on HVAC systems before they are inspected, since they can spread soot through the house.
Fire & smoke help by city
Tampa · St. Petersburg · Clearwater · Orlando · Kissimmee · Jacksonville · Miami · Fort Lauderdale · Hollywood · West Palm Beach · Boca Raton · Fort Myers · Naples · Sarasota · Tallahassee
Sources: EPA mold guidance, Ready.gov floods.
Frequently asked questions
Can smoke-damaged items be saved?
Many hard items can be cleaned. Porous items like upholstery and clothing depend on how heavy the smoke exposure was. Keep a list and photos of everything before disposal; insurers often ask for an inventory.
How do I get rid of smoke smell?
Lasting odor removal means cleaning residue from surfaces, ducts and sometimes structural materials, not just masking it. Ask restorers how they will verify that odor is gone.
Does insurance pay for a hotel after a fire?
Many homeowners policies include additional living expenses (loss of use) if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss. Keep receipts.