The first days after a fire are confusing. The flames are out, but there’s soot on the walls, water on the floors from the fire hoses, and a smoke smell everywhere. This guide walks you through what to do first, what to avoid, and how FL Cleanup handles the cleanup and restoration. For a deeper look at the full process, see our Miami fire damage restoration guide.
The First 24 Hours: What to Do
- Wait for the fire department to clear the property. Don’t go back in until they say it’s okay.
- Call your insurance company and start the claim.
- Take photos and video of every room before anything is moved or cleaned.
- Call a restoration company to document the damage, secure the property, and start removing water.
- Make a plan for where you’ll stay while the home is cleaned and repaired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wiping soot yourself. Soot is oily and acidic, and rubbing it smears it deeper into walls and fabric.
- Running the AC before it’s checked. If smoke or soot got into the system, running it can spread residue through the house.
- Turning on electrical items that were near the fire or got wet.
- Throwing things away before they’re documented. Your insurer may need to see them.
- Waiting too long on the water. Water from the fire hoses can lead to mold if it isn’t dried.
What Fire Leaves Behind
- Structural damage from heat and flames
- Smoke damage on walls, ceilings, and in the AC system
- Soot residue that stains surfaces and corrodes materials
- Water damage from putting the fire out
- Smoke odor in drywall, upholstery, carpet, and clothes
How FL Cleanup Restores a Fire-Damaged Property
1. Inspection and Documentation
We start with a free visual inspection with moisture readings and an infrared (thermal) camera to see where water from the fire hoses went, and we photograph and document everything for your insurance claim.
2. Securing the Property
Broken windows and roof openings are boarded and tarped to keep out weather and intruders.
3. Water Removal and Drying
Standing water is extracted and the structure is dried with commercial equipment, with an antimicrobial applied where water got in, to help prevent mold.
4. Soot and Smoke Cleaning
Crews in protective gear use soot sponges, specialized cleaners, and HEPA air scrubbers to lift residue off walls, ceilings, cabinets, and contents instead of spreading it. Badly damaged materials are removed.
5. Smoke Odor Treatment
Once the soot is cleaned out, the smell that’s left in the air and soft materials can be treated. Our whole-home odor treatment is $997 including one AC system ($550 for each extra AC unit), and everyone, pets included, stays out for about 8 hours. It treats odor only, so the soot has to be cleaned first. For small kitchen fires, see how to get rid of a burnt smell after a kitchen fire.
6. Repairs
Drywall, paint, flooring, and other damaged materials are repaired or replaced so you can move back in.
Homes and Businesses
We restore single-family homes, condos, and rentals, as well as offices, stores, and other commercial properties. For businesses, we plan the work to help you reopen as soon as it’s practical. FL Cleanup carries $1M in general liability and handles commercial and large-loss jobs.
Working With Your Insurance
We provide photos, moisture readings, and written records your adjuster can review, and we keep you and your insurer updated as the work moves forward. Your insurance company makes the final decision on your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does fire damage restoration take?
It depends on how much damage there is. Small fires may take days; larger ones can take weeks, especially with repairs.
Can I stay in the house after a fire?
Not until the fire department clears it and the structure, electrical, and smoke residue have been checked. Many families stay elsewhere during cleanup.
Should I clean the soot myself?
It’s better not to. Wiping soot usually smears it deeper. Leave it for a crew with the right sponges, cleaners, and protective gear.
Will the smoke smell go away?
In most homes, yes, once the soot is cleaned and badly damaged materials are removed. A whole-home odor treatment handles what’s left. See how to get rid of smoke smell in a house.
When should I call a restoration company?
As soon as the fire department clears the property. The sooner water is removed and soot is cleaned, the less damage spreads.
Conclusion
After a fire, focus on the basics first: let the fire department clear the home, call your insurer, take photos, and don’t wipe the soot. From there, FL Cleanup handles the documentation, drying, soot cleaning, odor treatment, and repairs to get your home or business back.
FL Cleanup is family-owned, IICRC certified, and has served Florida since 2016. We’re licensed in Florida as a Mold Assessor (MRSA4035) and Mold Remediator (MRSR4158). We answer 24/7; when you call, we’ll tell you honestly when a technician can be there based on that day’s schedule. Hablamos español.
