How To Deal with Fire and Smoke Damage

A Guide to Fire and Smoke Damage Recovery

Fire and smoke damage can affect rooms well beyond the flames. Soot may settle on walls and belongings, while water from hoses can soak floors. First, stay out until officials allow entry. Then, get help to plan the cleanup.

GTA Restoration helps homes, condos and businesses across Toronto and the GTA plan fire damage cleanup, drying and repairs. However, each loss needs its own plan. The plan should cover where smoke spread and what burned.

Call Us: 416-800-0000

Start With Safety After a Fire

Before fire and smoke damage cleanup, follow the fire crew’s advice. The building may look stable but still have hazards. Weak ceilings, sharp debris and damaged wiring may remain. Also, keep children and pets away from affected areas.

Leave gas and power off until the proper utility or trade says they are safe. Also, do not use damaged appliances before a qualified check. A brief visit does not mean you can move back in. The Canadian Red Cross home fire guide explains safe return and recovery steps.

Record Fire and Smoke Damage

Once access is safe, take photos and videos of fire and smoke damage in each room. Next, list damaged items and contact your insurer. Keep receipts for urgent work and any temporary housing costs.

Ask what records the insurer needs before cleanup or disposal. However, do not keep items that pose a hazard. Your insurer confirms coverage, limits and deductibles. The Insurance Bureau of Canada’s claims guide explains the process.

Secure Openings and Plan the Work

Broken windows or roof damage can let rain into the building. Therefore, crews may need to arrange board-up or temporary roof covers. Leave work at height and unsafe access to trained crews.

Then, ask for a written scope for smoke damage recovery. It should explain which rooms and items need work, what the quote includes and how the crew will handle changes. Our restoration service overview outlines the support available.

Dry Water Left After Firefighting

Hoses and sprinklers may leave wet drywall, flooring and insulation. As a result, fire damage cleanup may include water removal and drying. Crews should check for moisture under floors and in wet wall spaces.

Drying equipment may help dry materials that can stay. Before rebuilding, ask about the drying results and any areas that still need attention.

Choose Suitable Soot Cleanup Methods

The type of soot and surface both shape the soot cleanup plan. For example, paint, wood and fabric may need different care. Rubbing or using the wrong product can smear residue or harm a finish.

Therefore, ask the crew to test the method first. Our cleaning product guide explains why surface care matters. Avoid painting over residue before cleaning and drying are complete.

Find the Source of Smoke Odours

Smoke smell can linger in fabrics, cabinets and hidden spaces. Visible soot cleanup may leave some odour sources behind. Some items may need more work. Others may need to come out.

Also, tell the team whether the heating system ran during the fire. Have a qualified trade check the system before use. Ask about odour treatment and when you can return for any proposed process.

Review Contents and Fire Damage Repairs

Some items with fire and smoke damage need special care. Others may be too damaged to restore. Before you discard items, take photos and discuss the choices with the crew and insurer.

Finally, start repairs once crews finish the cleaning and drying checks. Repair times depend on the damage, supplies and trades needed. Our project timeline guide explains what can affect each stage.

Need Help With Fire and Smoke Damage?

Ask GTA Restoration about soot cleaning, drying and repair planning for your property.

Call Us: 416-800-0000

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Restoration Services | Odour Removal | Contents Care