What Happens During the Fire Restoration Process?

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Starting the Restoration Process After a Fire

With much of the U.S. in the midst of a drought made worse by record-breaking summer heat, communities across the country are facing a higher risk of fire for homes and businesses. 

Regardless of how extensive the damage, a house or business fire is one of the most overwhelming experiences a property owner can face. Beyond the flames, smoke, soot, and water used to extinguish the blaze can leave lasting damage that feels impossible to recover from. But with the right process, and experienced professionals guiding you through it, your home or business can be restored to safety, stability, and comfort.

At COIT, we’ve spent more than 70 years helping families and businesses recover from fire damage. Below, we’ll walk you through what to expect, what steps you can take right away, and how the fire remediation process works from start to finish.

 

Starting the Fire Restoration Process

Wildfires, electrical failures, and kitchen accidents — no matter the cause, fire can happen suddenly and spread fast. Even a small blaze can leave behind hidden damage. If you’ve just experienced a fire, the first thing to know is this: you don’t have to handle it alone.

Professional remediation makes sure your property is safe, hazards are addressed, and your home or business is restored as close as possible to pre-fire condition. While every case is unique, the steps below outline what you can expect.

Fire and Smoke Damage: What to Expect

When people think of fire damage, they often picture only charred walls or burned belongings. In reality, the impact goes far deeper:

  • Flames consume and weaken building materials.
  • Smoke and soot spread into rooms untouched by fire.
  • Water and firefighting chemicals can saturate drywall, flooring, and insulation.
     

Together, these forces can damage both your home’s structure and the contents inside. That’s why it’s unsafe to attempt cleanup yourself. 

 It’s important for your health and safety to call in a restoration expert to assess the damage caused by fire, smoke and water. A restoration professional will also determine which items can be cleaned, restored and returned to pre-loss condition, and which repairs to the home and business need to be completed.

Smoke & Soot Damage

Even when the flames are gone, smoke and soot keep causing damage. Smoke particles are microscopic and travel easily, embedding into fabrics, walls, furniture, and HVAC systems. Soot — a black, powdery residue — is not only messy but also chemically corrosive.

Left untreated, smoke and soot can:

  • Etch and discolor surfaces.
  • Damage electronics and wiring.
  • Create persistent odors that are almost impossible to remove without professional treatments.
  • Irritate lungs and trigger asthma or bronchitis.
     

This is why one of the first steps in fire remediation focuses on specialized soot and smoke removal — a process COIT handles with industry-leading equipment and safety standards.

 

What is Fire Restoration?

Fire restoration (sometimes called fire remediation) is the complete process of cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding after fire, smoke, and water damage. The goal is simple: return your property to its pre-loss condition while making sure it’s safe and structurally sound.

This isn’t just a cosmetic process. Professional fire restoration involves:

  • Damage assessment and safety checks.
  • Soot and smoke removal to prevent corrosion and odors.
  • Water extraction and drying to avoid mold.
  • Structural repair and reconstruction where needed.
  • Cleaning and restoring personal belongings whenever possible.
     

Because fire restoration covers health hazards, structural safety, and even insurance documentation, trying to tackle it yourself isn’t recommended. Certified technicians follow strict industry standards, like the IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, to ensure nothing is overlooked.

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Fire Restoration Checklist: What to Do After a Fire

Experiencing a fire can be devastating, but knowing the steps to take afterwards can make the recovery process smoother. Here’s a checklist you can follow after a fire:

1. Immediate Safety First:

  • Wait until fire officials declare the property safe before entering.
  • Do not switch on electricity, gas, or water until inspected.
  • If structural damage is visible, stay out until professionals stabilize the area.

2. Document the Damage

  • Take photos and videos of every affected area and item.
  • Save receipts for hotel stays, meals, or temporary housing — these may be covered by insurance.
  • Keep a log of all calls and correspondence with your insurer.

3. Contact Professionals:

  • Call a fire restoration company right away — response time matters.
  • Notify your insurance provider and confirm coverage details

4. Address Water Damage: 

  • Fires often result in water damage from firefighting efforts. Address water damage immediately to prevent mold growth.

5. Remove Smoke & Soot Safely: 

  • Leave soot removal to the pros — scrubbing it yourself can spread it further.
  • Don’t wash painted walls, carpets, or upholstery until inspected.

6. Property Cleaning

  • Clean all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors.
  • Specialized equipment may be needed to remove smoke odors.

7. Restore Personal Items: 

  • Ask which belongings can be cleaned (clothing, furniture, electronics).
  • Soft goods often require ozone or thermal fogging treatments to remove odors.

8. Begin Structural Repairs: 

  • Professionals will remove burned sections and rebuild where needed.
  • This may include drywall replacement, electrical rewiring, or flooring repairs.

9. Schedule Safety Inspections: 

  • Have professionals inspect electrical systems, gas lines, and appliances before use.
  • Check smoke alarms and replace if necessary.

10. Final Review:

  • Walk through your property to ensure all restoration tasks have been completed.
  • Consult with restoration professionals about any lingering concerns.

What NOT to Do After a Fire

Many homeowners unintentionally make damage worse by trying to “clean up” immediately. To protect your health and your property value, avoid these actions:

  • Don’t turn on ceiling fans or HVAC systems — this spreads soot.
  • Don’t wash walls, carpet, or upholstery on your own.
  • Don’t eat food or use medications exposed to smoke or heat.
  • Don’t enter rooms with sagging ceilings or weakened floors.
  • Don’t attempt to wipe electronics or appliances — soot residue can cause permanent shorts.

How Long Does Fire Restoration Take?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How long will it take before I can move back in?” The answer depends on the scale of the damage.

  • Minor Fire Damage: Restoration for small, contained fires can take a few days to a week. This includes smoke odor removal, cleaning, and minor repairs.
  • Moderate Fire Damage: For fires that cause more extensive damage to a room or area, the restoration process might last several weeks. This involves more in-depth smoke and soot removal, water extraction, structural repairs, and possibly remodeling.
  • Severe Fire Damage: In cases where a fire has affected a large portion of a property or caused significant structural damage, restoration can take several months. This includes major reconstruction, extensive cleaning, and addressing potential water and mold issues.

It's essential to consult with a professional fire restoration company for a precise timeline, as each situation is unique. Regardless of the duration, the primary goal is to ensure the property is safe, clean, and restored to its pre-fire condition.

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Health Risks of Fire, Smoke and Soot

Fire damage isn’t just about property loss — it’s also a serious health risk. Smoke contains fine particles that remain airborne long after flames are extinguished, while soot carries toxic chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.

Risks include:

  • Respiratory irritation, asthma flare-ups, and bronchitis.
  • Eye irritation and skin rashes.
  • Increased cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
  • Mold growth triggered by leftover water.
     

Protect yourself by:

  • Wearing an N95 respirator if you must enter the property.
  • Keeping children, seniors, and pets away until cleanup is complete.
  • Letting certified professionals remove contaminants safely.

Does Insurance Cover Fire Remediation?

In most cases, yes — standard homeowner’s insurance covers fire damage. But the details can vary:

  • Typically covered: structure repairs, smoke cleanup, soot removal, replacement of personal belongings, and temporary housing.
  • Sometimes excluded: upgrades to meet new building codes, landscaping, or high-value collectibles unless separately insured.
     

Tips for smoother claims:

  • File promptly and keep detailed documentation.
  • Ask your restoration company to provide an itemized scope of work for the insurer.
  • Don’t discard damaged belongings until the adjuster has inspected them.
     

At COIT, we work directly with many insurance carriers, easing the process for you.

FAQs About Fire Remediation

Is fire remediation the same as fire restoration?

Yes — both terms describe the process of cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding after a fire.

Can all my belongings be saved?

Not always. Non-porous items (like glass, some metals, and ceramics) clean up well, but porous materials (mattresses, pillows, and some electronics) may not be safe to restore.

How soon should remediation start?

Immediately. The longer smoke, soot, and water sit, the more damage occurs.

Can I stay in my home during fire remediation?

For minor smoke cleanup, possibly. But in most cases, it’s safer to relocate until professionals finish.

Coit Restoration CTA Fire Smoke Damage

Reclaim Your Life after a Fire

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can feel overwhelming. Take the first step in getting your home or business back in order by calling a restoration specialist. Independently certified and specially trained, the Restoration Pros at COIT are ready to respond to your emergency calls 24/7.

With over 75 years of experience in the industry, we understand that the sooner we can get into your home or business to start assessing the fire damage, the faster we can help you get your life back. 

Our restoration professionals work quickly and expertly to inspect your property and create a plan for restoring your home or business. We’ll also conduct a detailed inventory of affected items, determine which ones can be restored, and pack them out to be safely returned to you after restoration. 

Once damaged portions of the structure have been removed, our restoration specialists begin the process of removing harmful soot, smoke, odors, as well as any water. After the restoration process is complete, we’ll return and replace your personal items with the utmost care and respect.

You don’t have to face the damage from a fire alone. COIT’s restoration specialists are here to help guide you through the process and restore your life as well as property.

Call the pros at COIT today — and let us help restore your life as well as your property.

Call the PROs at COIT for a professional clean!

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