Recent Fire Damage Posts
Kitchen Fires: How a Restoration Service Can Help Salvage Your Home
10/30/2023 (Permalink)
Kitchen fires can be devastating to homes.
Kitchen fires are terrifying experiences that can cause significant damage to your home. In the unfortunate event of a kitchen fire, it's crucial to know what to do to minimize the damage. In this blog post, we will provide you with an overview of what to do if you have a kitchen fire, from our team of restoration experts in Columbia, SC.
Ensure Safety First
The priority during a kitchen fire is the safety of everyone in the house. Ensure that all family members and pets are evacuated to a safe location. Close the kitchen door to contain the fire as much as possible and use a fire extinguisher if it's safe to do so. Do not attempt to put out a grease fire with water, as it can exacerbate the situation.
Call 911
As soon as you safely can, dial 911 to report the fire. The fire department will arrive to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Contact a Restoration Service
After the fire is extinguished and the area is deemed safe, it's essential to contact a professional restoration service immediately. We specialize in mitigating the damage caused by fires and can start the restoration process immediately.
Assess the Damage
Upon arrival, we will conduct a thorough assessment of the damage. We will evaluate the structural integrity of your home, the extent of the fire, and any water damage caused by firefighting efforts.
Board-Up and Tarp Services
In some cases, the fire may compromise the integrity of windows, doors, and the roof. We will provide board-up and tarp services to secure your home and prevent further damage from the elements, such as rain and wind.
Smoke and Soot Cleanup
One of the major challenges after a kitchen fire is dealing with smoke and soot. Our experts use specialized equipment and techniques to clean and remove smoke and soot residue from walls, ceilings, and surfaces.
Water Damage Mitigation
Water damage is often a consequence of firefighting efforts. Our team will assess and mitigate this damage to prevent mold growth and structural deterioration. By using industrial-grade drying equipment to remove moisture we can restore the affected areas.
Structural Repairs
We will repair and restore any structural damage caused by the fire. This may include rebuilding damaged walls, replacing flooring, and repairing the roof.
Odor Removal
Kitchen fires often leave behind persistent odors that can be challenging to eliminate. Our experts have the tools and knowledge to effectively remove these odors, leaving your home smelling clean and fresh.
Content Restoration
Your personal belongings, such as furniture, appliances, and personal items, may have also been damaged during the fire. Our contents team can assess and restore salvageable items, helping you recover sentimental and valuable possessions.
Communicate with Your Insurance Company
Your restoration service can work closely with your insurance company to expedite the claims process and ensure that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.
Experiencing a kitchen fire can be a traumatic event, but knowing what to do in the aftermath is crucial to restoring your home and your peace of mind. Our expertise and timely response can make a significant difference in salvaging your home and getting your life back on track. If you ever find yourself facing a kitchen fire, remember that our team of restoration professionals are there to support you and guide you through the restoration process.
The Do's and Don'ts of Grilling this Summer - Prevent a House Fire
5/31/2022 (Permalink)
Man grilling at his home in Columbia SC
Homeowners in the Columbia SC and the greater Richland area love to grill, but there are many dangers that come with all the outdoor fun.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments went to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year.
Here are a few ways to stay safe and prevent house fires while grilling:
Do -
1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Farther is even better. This includes portions attached to your house like carports, garages and porches. Grills should not be used underneath wooden overhangs either, as the fire could flare up into the structure above. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills.
2. Clean your grill regularly. If you allow grease and fat to build up on your grill, they provide more fuel for a fire. Grease is a major source of flare ups.
3. Check for gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.
4. Keep decorations away from your grill. Decorations like hanging baskets, pillows and umbrellas look pretty, but can provide fuel for a fire. To make matters worse, today's decor is mostly made of artificial fibers that burn fast and hot, making this tip even more important.
5. Keep a spray bottle of water handy. That way, if you have a minor flare-up you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it. The bonus of this tip is that water won't harm your food, so dinner won't be ruined!
6. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill. And KNOW HOW TO USE IT. If you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, don't waste time fiddling with it before calling 911. Firefighters say many fire deaths occur when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of calling for expert help and letting the fire department do its job.
Don't -
7. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. NEVER do this. It causes gas to build up inside your grill, and when you do light it and open it, a fireball can explode in your face.
8. Leave a grill unattended. Fires double in size every minute. Plan ahead so that all of your other food prep chores are done and you can focus on grilling.
9. Overload your grill with food. This applies especially fatty meats. The basic reason for this tip is that if too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire.
10. Use a grill indoors. People often think it will be safe to use a grill, especially a small one, indoors. NOT TRUE. In addition to the fire hazard, grills release carbon monoxide, the deadly colorless, odorless gas. That gas needs to vent in fresh air or it can kill you, your family and pets.
In case the you experience a house fire, call your local fire department immediately. Be sure to contact a licensed fire damage restoration company to cleanup and repair any damage to your home occurs.
What items should I keep after a house fire?
3/1/2022 (Permalink)
Know what's safe to keep after a House Fire.
What items should you keep after a fire in your home? Well, you may be surprised that many items should be discarded. But not every fire will require a significant clean-out. Example: small stove top grease fire may do minimal damage to a kitchen, and only require throwing away a frying pan.
However, for more extensive fires that gut whole rooms, consider discarding several types of items due to contamination and spoilage.
Items That Should Be Discarded After a House Fire
- Perishable and Non-Perishable Items
The intense heat of a fire, especially one that engulfs entire rooms or levels, will likely result in the spoilage of several non-perishable and perishable items. For instance, canned goods will probably boil during a fire, making any warranty or expiration invalid. This includes refrigerators that are damaged during a fire. The temperature inside the fridge will likely rise, causing most, if not all, of the food to go bad.
- Medications
Medications are another item that you should throw away. While they may appear fine, fires produce toxic chemicals that can cling to medications. Therefore, discard any medicines, vitamins, and other pills safely. You can contact your physician to discuss the situation and ask for refills.
- Cosmetics
As with medications, fire damage can leave toxic residues on various items, including cosmetics. There is no feasible way to clean cosmetics, and therefore, they should be discarded for your safety.
- Porous Items
While the general rule is to discard any porous items, it is understandable that some materials may be more sentimental than others. If you would like to hold on to some of these items, then you can contact a restoration specialist in the Columbia SC area. These professionals may be able to help you find a local specialty cleaner who can salvage certain porous items.
While there are many things that you should throw away after a fire, there are pieces of your home that you will likely be able to take with you. Also, if you can find a certified restoration company, you should be able to salvage even some things that may seem unsalvageable.
Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Richland County at (803) 324-5780.
What to do after your Home is Damaged by Fire?
2/15/2022 (Permalink)
Call the Pros after Home Fire Damage
Home fires in the Columbia SC area are more common than you may think. It’s important to know your next steps if your affected by loss from a home fire.
Most people needed fire damage repair in their homes after an accidental or unintentional fire, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration.
Did you know that Cooking accidents, heating issues, and electrical malfunctions account for close to 70% of all residential home fires. An average of 358,500 homes experience a structural fire each year, according to the National Fire Protection Agency.
If you need fire or smoke damage repairs, there are some important steps to take before calling a professional fire and smoke restoration specialist to make your home safer. Note: The fire department determines whether it is safe to stay in your home or not.
Be Careful with Fire Damage
Often, with fire damage and smoke damage, there is also water damage hidden behind the walls from fire fighting efforts. After a fire, call a professional fire damage repair company to ease your worries and take care of all the heavy cleaning, drywall replacing, and mold and mildew preventative maintenance.
Be Smart and Be Safe after a Fire
- Make sure it’s safe to re-enter home or affected areas. First discuss safety with a fire marshal and ensure that it is safe.
- Wear and use protective clothing including rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and a face mask to prevent breathing any debris particles. Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
- Change HVAC filters.
- Avoid using your own household vacuum. Soot that has collected like dust requires a special vacuum.
- Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us or another fire damage restoration company.
- Be Safe and Smart. Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to heat, fire, or water without consulting an authorized and licensed repair service.
- Don't turn on electrical appliances affected by fire or water from firefighting efforts. If ceiling fixtures if ceiling are wet, then the wiring may be damaged.
- Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may permanently set smoke odor in your clothing.
Even in small amounts– can be extremely dangerous even if the after effects are not immediately visible to you. Contacting a professional fire damage company helps ensure proper repairs to your property, as well as mold and mildew prevention.
24-hour emergency fire damage restoration services
We’re locally owned and operated and part of the Richland County, and Columbia SC communities. Our fire damage restoration technicians are employees, not contractors. They can respond to fire damage emergencies with the most advanced cleaning equipment, products and technology to get you back in your home.
To learn more, call us anytime at (803) 419-0470.
Common Causes Of House Fires in Columbia SC
2/11/2022 (Permalink)
You can prevent Home Fires
You may be surprised to learn the most common causes of house fires in the Columbia SC area can be easily be prevented.
But Knowledge comes before prevention. It's important to educate yourself regarding potential disasters that could occur. While it’s never fun imagining all the “what-ifs,” it’s an integral step to strategizing and planning how you can take the necessary steps to avoid the “what-ifs” to the best of your abilities. Knowing the most common causes of house fires are is a proactive first step.
Kitchens and Cooking
Yeap that's right —cooking is the mostcommon cause of house fires across the United States and right here in Richland County. You frequent your kitchen often to cook meals (or even just to microwave them), and many of the kitchen appliances we frequently use include electrical components as well as open flames if you have a gas stove. Your stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and even your fridge are susceptible to causing house fires. If you don’t properly clean up grease and other flammable materials that you may use while cooking. Overheating food in the microwave leading to combustion fires is also very real! Be careful while cooking, and don’t forget to clean up as you go or, at the very least, after you’re done cooking.
Portable Heaters
Heaters are another common culprit of house fires. They are often placed too close to clothes, furniture, bedding, fabric, and other flammable materials, which can burst into flames if they become too hot. Having clothing hung over them to dry or placing them too close to curtains are also common ways that heaters cause house fires. Always use space heaters with caution. Make sure they’re placed on even ground and are at least two feet away from anything flammable. Heaters should also be regularly cleaned.
Smoking and Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes can lead to deadly house fires. Be careful about where and when you smoke cigarettes to avoid house fires at all costs. Cigarettes and other materials that are smoked should always be properly extinguished and disposed of, and flicking them into shrubs, onto your porch or balcony, or elsewhere is a potential recipe for disaster. Be vigilant and stay safe while smoking near your home, if you do it at all.
Dryers and Washing Machines
Laundry appliances, in particular clothes dryers, are another very common cause of house fires. The build-up of lint, dust, dirt, as well as the clothes circulating within clothes dryers, can catch aflame within the machine or due to lint in the external dryer vent. Washing machines and clothes dryers can alight because of electrical faults. This is also true of any large kitchen appliances or other appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves that you may have in your home.
We're here to Help withFire Damage Repair and Restoration
No matter what may cause fire damage to your home, our team at SERVPRO of Richland County can help you at a moment’s notice.
Contact us at (803) 419-0470 to reach highly trained technicians and have one sent on their way to you!
We're your team for fire damage restoration in Columbia
9/15/2021 (Permalink)
Fire Damage Restoration in Columbia SC
We understand fires can be particularly catastrophic. Once the first responders drive away, your property probably will not only have suffered damage from just fire and smoke, but also water damage and flooding from the firefighter’s response and extinguishing methods.
SERVPRO of Richland County specializes in fire damage restoration and is equipped to handle your damage restoration needs. You can rest assured that we have made the process as efficient as possible for you.
Because your well being is our #1 concern, this checklist is helpful on the road to returning your property to "Like it never even happened."
Safety
Your safety is our top priority. After experiencing fire damage, please determine the following:
- Will you be safe inside the property? If not, evacuate immediately and do not return inside.
- Are there electrical hazards or any other variables that could cause injury?
- Only perform activities on the premises that are definitely safe.
Emergency Contact
Our restoration process starts as soon as you call SERVPRO of Richland County. Remember that we are available 24 hours a day and respond faster to any size disaster. You will be asked questions to decide the degree of your fire damage and with what equipment and resources our professionals should respond.
Inspection and Assessment
Our team will thoroughly inspect and examine adjacent rooms of your property to decide the size of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is foundational in building an accurate and effective plan of action.
Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
In order to optimize security and prevent more damage, we will board up any compromised or missing windows and walls and place tarps on any roof damage.
Water Removal and Drying (if needed)
Our experienced team will begin the water removal process at the onset of response. Water damage can be caused by fire fighting efforts. This process is done utilizing proven methods and specially designed equipment including dehumidifiers and air movers to remove and water and complete the drying process.
Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
Like with water removal, we use specially designed equipment and methods to remove smoke and soot from all surfaces including walls, floors and ceilings.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Our professionals will use an array of cleaning methods to restore your personal items "Like it never even happened." This includes the important step of odor removal by using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Restoration
Last but not least is your final step - restoration! This step includes any repairs such as replacing or installing flooring and drywall, painting, and reconstructing any areas or rooms that were demolished or damaged.
Don’t trust your fire damage restoration to just anyone in Columbia SC. SERVPRO of Richland County is a trusted leader in the restoration industry, and our specialists are highly trained to provide you with 24/7 emergency assistance. Extensive training, specialized equipment and proven cleaning techniques, help us get your property back to pre-fire condition as possible.
SERVPRO Handles Commercial And Residential Fire Damage
7/1/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO can handle a Fire Damage no matter how large, or how small.
Whether it is a large fire, or a small fire, a fire can affect your home or business. Flames, heat, soot, and smoke travel quickly. SERVPRO provides professional cleaning services which is necessary following a fire.
SERVPRO is certified by the IICRC in Fire Restoration. We understand how fire, smoke, and soot residue travel, affect materials, including how they should be restored. SERVPRO is careful to maneuver in a way that does not cause further damage to your home, or business. Walking on contaminated areas can track soot residue into other rooms, creating additional cleaning. You must also take precautions due to possible structure damage. Floors can become weakened and support beams brittle after a fire, your safety should be the number one priority.
SERVPRO is prepared to handle any fire job, the proper way. We understand that being displaced by fire creates an enormous amount of stress on homeowners as well as business owners, and we do our best to comfort, reassure and help you through the entire process.
At SERVPRO we will get you back to "Like it never even happened."
Stove Fire At A Church Causes Heavy Smoke And Soot Damage
5/14/2021 (Permalink)
A church had a fire that began at the stove and quickly affected adjoining rooms with smoke and soot.
Smoke, and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various areas within your home or business, causing hidden damage and odor. Contents no matter how small can also be affected. Our smoke damage expertise, and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a plan of action.
Fires, both residential and commercial, can be devastating. Some of us have experienced this personally. We understand the major inconvenience these disasters, small or large can cause to a family, or business. We strive to make it "Like it never even happened," in all situations and help get a family back to normal living conditions or, a business back to full operation as quickly as possible.
We work with all insurance companies and understand their requirements for claims processing. We can help with any size disaster.
SERVPRO is available 24/7 to assist you with your needs so we can get you back to “Like it never even happened.”
Electrical Fires.
1/29/2021 (Permalink)
Electronics are a daily part of our life and we often forget the dangers that can be associated with lighting fixtures, chargers, appliances and more. At SERVPRO of Richland County we have responded to hundreds of electrical fires over the years, helping our customers get their lives and homes back to normal. Keep in mind the following tips to reduce the risk of an electrical malfunction or tragedy in your home.
- On a regular basis, have the home inspected for loose wires, shorts, and faulty wiring that increase the risk of potential electrical fires, as electrical wiring eventually needs to be replaced. This is especially pertinent if one lives in an older home. Signs that faulty wiring is a pressing issue can include flickering lamps, buzzing outlets, or outlets that spark when an electronic device is plugged in. If one of these indications occurs, do not delay in in hiring a certified electrician to give the home an inspection to determine if the wiring is safe or if it is in need of rewiring.
- Install a smoke detector on every level of the home and inside each bedroom. It is vital to make sure the smoke detectors are working properly by testing them every month. Test the detectors to ensure that all members of the home know the sound of the smoke detector. Also, create a plan so that the entire family knows what to do in case of an actual fire. Once a plan is in place, practice each aspect of fire-escape strategy to guarantee its success.
- Utilize safety measures with electric cords. This includes replacing cords that are loose, frayed, or contains cracks. Never place cords in areas that receive a large volume of foot traffic, such as under mats or carpeting. Avoid tacking cords to surfaces with nails or staples. If an extension cord is being used on a long-term basis, consider having outlets installed by a certified electrician nearer to your electronic devices.
- Only use the correct wattage light bulbs in all fixtures. If the wattage is higher than the requirement noted on the lamp or appliance, replace the bulbs immediately. Firmly secure light bulbs in the socket to safeguard them from overheating.
- Use a surge protector to guard appliances and other electronics in your home.
- Store flammables away from electrical appliances. It is helpful to establish a safe, designated area for flammable chemicals in your home.
- Place a fire extinguisher in all major rooms of the home, such as kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry room. Have all family members read the instructions on how to use the fire extinguisher.
Preventing and Putting Out Grease Fires
1/29/2021 (Permalink)
Tips to Prevent a Grease Fire:
Never leave your pot or pan unattended. It takes less than 30 seconds for smoke to turn into fire
- Pay attention around fire. Don’t cook when intoxicated or tired.
- Remove as much moisture as possible from food before cooking. Never put frozen food into hot grease.
- Keep grease at the recommended temperature.
- Heat oil slowly.
- Add food slowly and gently to hot oil to avoid splatter.
What to Do In Case of Grease Fire:
Turn off the burner.
- Remove the oxygen by either covering the pot/pan with a metal lid, smothering with baking soda or salt, or lastly, by using a fire extinguisher (this is the best method, if you have one available.)
- If these steps don't work, call 911 and get everyone out of the house. Close the door behind you to help contain the flames.
What Not to Do In a Grease Fire:
Never try to put out a grease fire with any liquid. It will vaporize and cause steam explosions.
- Never carry the burning pot/pan outside. You are likely to spill the grease and spread the fire.
- Do not use anything glass or plastic to try to put out the fire. Glass will heat up and shatter and plastic will melt.
- Never use baking powder or flour as substitutes for salt or baking soda. They are combustible, and will spread the fire.
If you are ever faced with a fire, Call SERVPRO of Richland County 24/7 365. (803)419-0470.
How to Utilizing A Portable Fire Extinguisher.
1/28/2021 (Permalink)
Let’s discuss the correct methods for utilizing a portable fire extinguisher Here at SERVPRO of Richland County we cannot stress enough the importance of fire extinguishers in your workplace and at home. Residents and employees should be appropriately trained on how to use fire extinguishers and can often mean the difference between saving lives and salvaging the structure from further damage. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) uses a helpful acronym for remembering the correct sequence and way to operate a fire extinguisher known as P-A-S-S.
Let’s review the steps for PASS;
- Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
- Aim Point the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire for best effect.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
Its important to read the fire extinguisher instructions to familiarize yourself. Ensure that you have the correct size and style for your facility and consider where to store it so accessibility is feasible during an unexpected emergency. If a fire occurs in your home or business call the professionals at SERVPRO of Richland County (803)419-0470. Our team assists with cleaning and restoration of structure and contents, we make a stressful situation more manageable and streamlined to make your life easier. If you have questions about fire safety in your home or business don’t hesitate to reach out, we are always happy to help.
What to do after the fire
7/24/2020 (Permalink)
Suffering fire damages at your home can be a very traumatic experience. Along with the damages from the flames, your home may have soot residue, smoke odor, and water damages from firefighting efforts. Many times, the hardest part of the experience is determining “What do I do now?” once the fire is out. The U.S Fire Administration offers these “After the Fire” guidelines to help you through this tough time:
- The top priority is keeping yourself, loved ones, and pets safe. The structure of your home may be unstable, or various hazards present due to the fire damages. Always follow the instructions of the local authorities pertaining to safety in a fire damaged area.
- Contact your insurance agent. Your insurance agent can help determine what your policy covers regarding cleaning and restoration.
- Contact your mortgage company or landlord to report the fire.
- Secure important documents. If undamaged, gather items such as Social Security Information, Birth Certificates, and Passports. If these items have been damaged, you will need to formulate a plan for replacement.
In the unfortunate event that you experience a fire at your home in the Columbia area, SERVPRO of Richland County is Here to Help. Our professional team provides fire restoration services, soot clean up, smoke odor removal, and structural drying to help restore your home. Give us a call at (803) 419-0470, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.
Has fire affected you in Columbia SC?
7/15/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Richland County is prepared to handle any fire job.
No matter the size a fire can affect your entire home or business. Flames, heat, soot and smoke travel quickly. We always advise hiring a cleaning professional to examine and perform the work necessary following any fire.
Our SERVPRO of Richland County Fire team is certified by the IICRC in Fire Restoration. That means they understand how fire, smoke and soot residue travel, affect materials, and how they should be restored. Our team is careful to maneuver in a way that does not cause further damage to the home. Walking on contaminated areas can track soot residue into other rooms, creating additional cleaning that has to be done. You must also take precautions due to possible structure damage. Floors can become weakened and support beams brittle after a fire, your safety should be the #1 priority.
The fire team at SERVPRO of Richland County is prepared to handle any fire job, the RIGHT way. We understand that being displaced by fire creates an immense amount of stress on homeowners as well as business owners, and we do our best to comfort, reassure and help them through the entire process. If you or someone you know has experienced a fire and is struggling to get back on their feet, please reach out to us, we’re connected with many organizations that help individuals get the assistance they need.
Protecting yourself from Fire!
11/11/2019 (Permalink)
If your Columbia, SC business has experienced a fire it’s likely that you’re unsure how to proceed. The two most important steps of restoring any building that has experienced fire damage, no matter how large or small the fire, are:
- Protecting the property
- Cleaning affected areas/materials
First – Call Your Insurance Agent
One of the first calls you should make (after 911 of course) should be to your insurance agent. They can help you determine if you should file a claim or pay out of pocket for the steps necessary to restore your business. If the fire was small, let’s say a break room kitchen fire or something similar, you very well could be better off not filing a claim against your insurance. Your agent may also recommend a restoration service they know and trust to help you with the cleanup process while protecting your property from further harm.
Second – Contact a Restoration Service
Soot and smoke are extremely difficult to clean without the proper knowledge and equipment to do so. We always recommend calling a professional fire restoration service to handle this. SERVPRO of Richland County offers board-up services to secure your property and keep unwanted guests and animals out. We also offer tarping services if damage has occurred to the roof. This prevents water from gaining access to the space and causing further damage.
If water was used to extinguish the fire you may also be facing water damage, this requires a restoration company also. If the water damage is left untreated, you’ll likely be facing issues with mold down the road.
Has your business suffered fire damage? Call SERVPRO of Richland County, the trusted leader in the restoration industry for fire damage restoration.
Richland County Smoke and Soot Cleanup
4/22/2019 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Richland County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (803)419-0470
24/7 Emergency Service
