Your Guide To Wildfire and Smoke Damage Cleanup

Wildfires have caused increasing destruction across states like California, Oregon, and Colorado. Even a small fire can spread rapidly and cause severe damage in minutes. 

Beyond property damage, you may face the loss of irreplaceable belongings and a difficult cleanup process. Before you begin, here are important steps to keep in mind. 

Process Your Feelings 

Experiencing a fire can be traumatic. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when dealing with damage or loss. 

Take time to process what happened. Lean on friends and family and remind yourself that your safety comes first. 

Take It Day by Day 

Wildfire cleanups take time. Your property will need to be repaired, cleaned, and made safe again. 

Focus on small, manageable tasks each day. This can help reduce stress and make the process feel more achievable. 

Call Your Insurance Company 

After contacting the fire department, your next call should be to your insurance provider. 

They will guide you on the next steps and may require approval before restoration work begins. Acting quickly helps speed up the recovery process. 

Hire a Restoration Company 

Wildfire cleanups are not safe to handle on your own. Soot and debris can be toxic, and improper cleanup can lead to long-term damage. 

A professional restoration team will assess what can be salvaged and safely remove hazardous materials. 

Once approved by your insurance company, contact a trusted provider like Restoration 1. Our certified technicians are available 24/7 and respond quickly to help restore your property. 

Secure Your Home 

If doors or windows are damaged, your home should be secured immediately. 

Boarding up the property helps prevent theft, vandalism, and unsafe entry. Restoration 1 can assist with securing your home properly. 

Find a Place to Stay 

After a wildfire, your home may not be safe to occupy right away. 

Temporary housing may be needed while inspections, cleaning, and repairs are completed. Your insurance provider can often help arrange accommodations. 

Organizations like FEMA and the Red Cross may also provide support. 

Take Care of Your Pets 

Pets should be kept away from fire-damaged areas. 

Smoke residue, debris, and airborne toxins can be harmful to animals. Keep them in a safe environment until your home has been properly restored. 

Be Aware of Unseen Dangers 

Fire damage goes beyond visible flames and smoke. 

Burning materials release toxic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Some health effects may not appear immediately. 

No Visible Contamination Doesn’t Mean Safe 

Even if you don’t see soot or ash, contamination may still be present. 

Smoke odors often indicate hidden damage. A professional restoration team can test surfaces and identify areas that need deep cleaning, including walls, ceilings, HVAC systems, and attics. 

Wear Protective Gear 

Handling fire debris without protection is dangerous. 

Toxins can become airborne and cling to your skin and clothing. Always wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing or leave cleanup to professionals. 

Dispose of Damaged Electronics 

Smoke and soot can damage electronics, even if they appear to work. 

Residue can cause internal corrosion and short circuits over time. Most fire-exposed electronics should be replaced. 

Know What Can Be Saved 

Smoke and soot can penetrate porous materials like fabrics and bedding. 

Some items may be salvageable with professional cleaning, but anything burned or heavily contaminated should be discarded. 

When in doubt, consult a restoration expert. 

Discard Food and Medical Items 

Contaminated food and personal items can pose serious health risks. 

General guidelines: 

• Non-perishable food: Discard opened items and potentially exposed containers 

• Perishable food: Throw away anything with smoke odor or contamination 

• Medical supplies & toiletries: Discard items exposed to soot, smoke, or chemicals 

Consider Outdoor Contamination 

Damage isn’t limited to the inside of your home. 

Driveways, siding, and landscaping can carry soot and debris back indoors. Cleaning exterior areas first helps prevent re-contamination. 

Professional power washing is often the most effective solution. 

Contact Restoration 1 Today 

Recovering a wildfire can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

Restoration 1 is here to help you every step of the way. Our trained and certified professionals work quickly to restore your home and bring peace of mind back to your family. 

Contact your local Restoration 1 team today to begin the recovery process.