Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration

If anything is still burning, call 911. This page is about the recovery after the fire is out and the fire department says it is safe to go back in.

Common household fires start in the kitchen, at the dryer vent, from space heaters in winter, or from electrical problems. Even a small one can push soot through the ductwork into every room. A bigger fire usually brings a lot of water from hoses, and in a home with a basement, that water drains straight down. See water damage restoration and flooded basement cleanup.

What fire restoration typically covers

• Emergency board-up of windows and doors and tarping roof openings
• Extracting firefighting water and drying the structure
• Cleaning soot from walls, ceilings, cabinets, and belongings
• Odor treatment with air scrubbers and other deodorizing methods
• HVAC filter changes and duct cleaning when needed
• Packing out and inventorying contents for cleaning or claims

Smoke without flames

Smoke can come in from outside too. In the summer of 2023, smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted over Indiana and led to air quality alerts across the state. Most outdoor smoke clears on its own, but a nearby house or garage fire can leave odor and fine soot inside your home that needs cleaning.

Do’s and don’ts

• Do wait for the fire department’s all-clear before going in.
• Do photograph everything before cleaning.
• Do call your insurer early; fire claims usually involve an adjuster.
• Don’t wipe soot with a wet cloth; it can smear and set.
• Don’t run the furnace or AC until filters and ducts are checked.
• Don’t use food, drinks, or medicine that were exposed to heat or smoke.

Get a referral

Call {{PHONE}}. Tell us what burned, how much of the house has smoke or soot, and whether water was used. We will try to connect you with an independent fire restoration provider. Ask about drying too, since wet materials left behind can lead to mold.

Quick answers