Fire and smoke
Fire and smoke damage
A fire leaves three problems: heat damage, soot and smoke odor, and the water that put it out.
The water is part of the job
Hose water soaks floors and ceilings below the fire. That moisture needs the same drying as any leak.
Left in place, wet materials can lead to mold while the smoke cleanup is still under way.
Soot and smoke odor
Soot is a fine residue that smears when wiped dry. Contractors use specialty sponges or wet methods to lift it, and they test a small spot first.
Smoke odor soaks into fabric, insulation and porous drywall. Surface cleaning rarely removes it from those. Removal or sealing does.
After the fire department leaves
Do not go inside until it is cleared
Structure and air can both be unsafe.
Call your insurer
Ask what temporary lodging and mitigation steps your policy describes.
Leave soot alone
Wiping dry walls and ceilings can push soot deeper.
Keep a list
Photograph rooms and note what was lost. The insurer will ask for it.
Water is still moving, or the room is already wet?
Call the number and describe what happened. You are connected with an independent restoration contractor who serves your ZIP. Calling early helps, because wet drywall and flooring get harder to save each day.