Fire Damage Is Also Water Damage
Most homeowners think of fire damage as burned materials and smoke. In reality, putting a fire out often causes as much damage as the fire itself. Fire hoses and sprinklers can pour hundreds of gallons into a home, soaking drywall, insulation, flooring and the rooms below. That water needs to be extracted and the structure dried quickly, just like any other water loss, or mold can follow within days.
What We Handle After a Fire
- Board-up and tarping. Securing broken windows, doors and roof openings to keep out weather and intruders.
- Water removal and drying. Extracting firefighting water and setting structural drying equipment.
- Soot and smoke cleaning. Soot is acidic and can permanently stain and etch surfaces if it sits. Walls, ceilings, cabinets and hard surfaces are cleaned with methods matched to the type of residue.
- Odor removal. Smoke odor gets into insulation, ductwork and porous materials. We remove the source materials and use deodorization equipment to treat what remains.
- Contents. Items that can be cleaned are cleaned; items that can't are documented for your insurance claim.
- Rebuild. Our water damage repair team replaces drywall, insulation, flooring and finishes once the structure is clean and dry.
Wildfire Smoke in Orange County
Homes near the canyons and foothills, including Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita and the edges of Irvine, can be affected by wildfire smoke even when flames never reach the property. Fine ash and smoke get into attics, HVAC systems and soft furnishings. Cleaning ducts, replacing HVAC filters and cleaning interior surfaces can remove lingering odor and residue.
Common Causes of House Fires
- Unattended cooking and grease fires
- Electrical faults in older wiring, outlets and extension cords
- Dryer lint buildup
- Space heaters placed near furniture or curtains
- Candles and fireplaces
Working With Your Insurance
Fire claims involve a lot of documentation: the structure, contents, additional living expenses and cleaning. We photograph and inventory the damage and give your adjuster a clear scope for both the cleanup and the rebuild.
Keep receipts for hotel stays, meals and other extra costs while your home is being repaired, since many policies reimburse additional living expenses.
Our Water Damage Process
Call & Dispatch
We answer 24/7, tell you how to limit the damage and send a crew.
Inspect & Map
We find the source, identify the water category and map every wet area.
Extract
Truck-mounted and portable extractors pull standing water out fast.
Dry & Monitor
Air movers and dehumidifiers run until daily readings hit dry.
Repair & Restore
We rebuild what the water ruined and walk the finished job with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can smoke-damaged walls be cleaned instead of replaced?
Often, yes. Light to moderate smoke residue on painted drywall can usually be cleaned, sealed and repainted. Heavily charred materials and anything soaked by firefighting water may need replacement.
How soon should cleanup start after a fire?
As soon as the fire department clears the home. Soot becomes harder to remove the longer it sits, and firefighting water can lead to mold within days.
Will the smoke smell ever go away?
Yes, when the odor source is removed and the home is properly cleaned and deodorized. Air fresheners and paint alone usually just cover it temporarily.