When can I go back into my home after a fire?

Only after the fire department says it is safe. Fire can weaken floors, roofs and walls, and there may be hidden hot spots, electrical hazards or gas leaks. Ask the fire department whether utilities need to be checked before they are turned back on.

Can smoke smell be removed?

Usually, yes, but it takes more than air fresheners. Smoke odor gets into drywall, insulation, ductwork, fabrics and wood. Professional odor removal usually combines cleaning or removing affected materials, cleaning the HVAC system, and specialized deodorization equipment.

Should I try to clean soot myself?

Be careful. Soot can smear and set into surfaces if wiped the wrong way, and some types are oily and acidic. Avoid touching soot-covered walls and furniture until you get advice, and wear gloves and a respirator if you handle anything.

Why is there water damage after a fire?

Firefighting uses large amounts of water. That water soaks into walls, floors and crawl spaces and needs to be dried quickly, just like any other water damage, to prevent mold.

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration in Coastal NC

What to do after a house fire

Wait for the all-clear from the fire department before going back inside.
Contact your insurance company to report the loss and ask about temporary living expenses if you can't stay in the home.
Document the damage with photos and video of every room, including areas with only smoke or soot.
Secure the property. Openings in the roof, walls and windows should be boarded up and tarped to keep out weather and intruders.
Avoid running the HVAC system until it's been checked, as it can spread soot through the house.
Don't eat food that was exposed to heat, smoke or soot, and throw out medicines that were exposed.
Get help with cleanup. Call (910) 555-0100 to get a vetted local fire restoration crew on the way.

Types of fire damage

Structural damage from flames and heat, which may need a contractor or engineer to assess.
Soot. Different fires leave different residues. Some are dry and powdery; others, like protein residue from kitchen fires or oily soot from burning plastics, are sticky and hard to clean.
Smoke odor that soaks into drywall, insulation, wood, fabrics and ductwork.
Water damage from firefighting, which can soak walls, floors and crawl spaces.

The fire and smoke restoration process

Assessment. The crew inspects how far fire, smoke, soot and water damage reach, and writes a scope of work.
Board-up and tarping to secure the property.
Water removal and drying to deal with firefighting water before mold starts.
Removal of damaged materials that can't be cleaned, like charred framing, burned drywall and soaked insulation.
Soot and smoke cleaning of walls, ceilings, floors and salvageable contents, using methods matched to the type of residue.
HVAC cleaning so the system doesn't keep spreading soot and odor.
Odor removal using specialized equipment and sealing of surfaces where needed.
Contents cleaning for clothing, furniture and personal items that can be saved.
Repairs and rebuild.

Fire damage and insurance

Fire is a covered peril under most homeowners policies, but the details matter: dwelling coverage, contents coverage and additional living expenses are usually separate limits. Keep a list of damaged items, save receipts for any expenses while you're displaced, and ask your adjuster before throwing anything away. This is general information, not legal or insurance advice.

Fire and smoke damage service area

Dry Coast Restoration connects you with a vetted local restoration crew, often same-day, anywhere in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick and Onslow counties. Call(910) 555-0100 or send a request with the form above.

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration