The short answer
Start with Safety
After a fire, do not re-enter your home until the fire department says it is safe. Smoke and soot can linger in the air, and surfaces may be hot or unstable. Open windows when you can, and wear gloves and a mask if you go inside briefly to grab essentials.
Your health is the priority. If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or unwell in any way, step outside and get fresh air. See a doctor if symptoms continue. For minor burns or cuts, clean the area and use a basic first aid kit. Do not attempt any cleanup that feels risky.
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of every room before you touch anything. This includes walls, floors, furniture, and personal items. Write down a list of what you see, even if it looks ruined. This record helps you and your insurance company understand the full scope later.
Keep receipts for anything you buy right after the fire, like cleaning supplies or temporary lodging. Store these in a safe place, such as a cloud drive or a folder. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy for details on what you need to submit.
- Photograph each room from multiple angles
- List damaged items with approximate age
- Save receipts for all post-fire purchases
- Note any odors or soot patterns
- Keep a written log of every call you make
Limit Further Damage
Soot and smoke can spread quickly, so close off unaffected rooms with doors and plastic sheeting if you have it. Remove loose soot from hard surfaces with a dry sponge or vacuum, but do not rub it in. Avoid using water on electronics or fabrics until the pros assess them.
If you live in Rowlett, keep your shutoff valve location written down in case you need to stop water flow during cleanup. For items like artwork or antiques, do not try to clean them yourself. Wrong methods can set smoke damage permanently. Leave those to specialists.
What the Pros Do
Fire restoration work usually involves several phases. The pros first remove debris and soot, then clean surfaces with specialized equipment. They may use air scrubbers to filter smoke particles and deodorize the space. Each step depends on the fire size and the materials affected.
For electronics, the pros often use ultrasonic cleaning and baking ovens to remove corrosive soot. Artwork and antiques may need gentle vacuuming or chemical treatments. The work is detailed and can take time. You can ask the pros about their process and what to expect for your specific items.
- Air scrubbing to reduce smoke odors
- Dry cleaning for walls and ceilings
- Ultrasonic cleaning for electronics
- Specialized treatments for artwork and antiques
- Deodorizing with thermal fog or ozone
Plan for the Long Term
Fire restoration is not a one-day job. Soot can hide in ducts, insulation, and behind walls. The pros may need to open up areas to clean fully. Ask for a timeline and a written plan before work starts, so you know what to expect and how long it might take.
While the work happens, you might stay elsewhere or live in one part of the home. Keep communication open with the pros and your insurance company. Replace your smoke detectors and check your fire escape plan once everything is back in place. For businesses, think about how to resume operations safely.
Talk to someone now
Call (214) 730-5993 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How soon should I start fire restoration?
Act quickly, but only after the fire department gives the all-clear. Soot and smoke can cause more damage the longer they sit. The pros can begin cleanup soon after you call, but the exact timing depends on the extent of the fire and your home's condition.
Can I clean soot myself?
Light soot on hard surfaces can be wiped with a dry sponge, but avoid water and rubbing. For walls, ceilings, and porous materials, DIY cleaning often spreads the soot. The pros have the right tools and methods to remove soot without pushing it deeper.
What should I do with my belongings?
Do not throw anything away until you document it. Items like electronics, artwork, and antiques may be restorable, but only the pros can tell. Keep a list and photos, and ask the pros about which items they can clean or restore before you discard anything.