Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration: What Happens, Step by Step

1. Emergency call and securing the property

The first priority is safety and stopping further loss. Only go back inside when the fire department says it is safe. A restoration company boards up broken windows and doors, tarps damaged roof areas and, when needed, arranges temporary fencing. Securing the home protects it from weather and intruders, and most insurance policies expect the homeowner to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage.

2. Inspection and documentation

Before anything is cleaned or thrown away, the damage is inspected and documented room by room. This includes burned areas, smoke and soot spread, water damage from firefighting and structural concerns. Detailed photos and a written scope are the foundation of your insurance claim, so this step should never be rushed.

3. Water removal and drying

Firefighting can leave a large amount of water behind in carpets, subfloors and walls. That water needs to be extracted and the structure dried quickly, because wet materials in a damaged home can start growing mold within 24 to 48 hours. Drying equipment and moisture readings are part of fire restoration just as much as they are in a water loss.

4. Removing what cannot be saved

Materials that are burned, structurally compromised or too saturated with smoke are carefully removed and hauled away. This is often the point where framing is exposed. Good contractors remove only what needs to go, because every material saved is time and cost saved on the rebuild.

5. Smoke and soot cleaning

Smoke residue is acidic and can discolor and corrode surfaces the longer it sits. Different residues need different cleaning methods, so professionals test surfaces before choosing a technique. The IICRC published the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in 2025 as an industry reference for this work.

• Dry soot sponges and HEPA vacuuming on light residue.
• Wet cleaning for heavier or greasy residue.
• Cleaning of cabinets, fixtures and contents that can be restored.
• Inspection and cleaning of HVAC components that carried smoke.

6. Odor control

Smoke odor gets into porous materials and air ducts, so masking it with fragrance does not work. Professional deodorization targets the source, combining thorough cleaning, sealing of affected framing when appropriate and air treatment until the odor is gone.

7. Reconstruction and final walkthrough

The last phase rebuilds what was removed: framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, paint and finishes. Reconstruction often requires permits, and in Washington the contractor must be registered with L&I. The job ends with a walkthrough to confirm every item on the scope is complete.

One team from board-up to rebuild

Turning On handles the entire fire restoration process with one local team: emergency board-up, water removal, smoke and soot cleanup, odor control and full reconstruction, with documentation and direct communication with your insurance adjuster. If your home was affected by fire, call us 24/7 at (425) 772-9467.