FIRE DAMAGE

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration

Behavior of Smoke

A fire loss is very complex because of the unique behavior of smoke. It is important to have trained technicians at the loss location.

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows through plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke will greatly affect the restoration process.

Smoke Damage Restoration Types of Smoke

The first step at a fire scene is to calm the fears of those affected. Next, we test the smoke to see which of the following types of fire took place.

Wet Smoke - Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke - Fast burning at high temperatures.
Protein - Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes. Extreme pungent odor.
Fuel Oil Soot - Furnace puff backs cause fuel oil soot.
Other Types - Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue are other types.

Pretesting

After the type of smoke is known, pretesting on the property is performed to determine the following:

What can be restored versus what can be replaced
The most effective cleaning method
Conditions to the property before the damage occurred
The full extent of the loss
Eliminate needless replacements