Is It Safe to Be in a Fire-Damaged Home?

Smoke particles and gases can remain in the air long after the flames are out. Breathing them in can irritate your lungs, eyes, and throat, especially for children, older adults, or anyone with asthma. Even if you do not smell smoke, fine particles may still be present.

Soot can settle on furniture, walls, and ducts. Touching it or stirring it up while walking around can send those particles back into the air. If you must enter for a short time, wear an N95 mask and open windows for ventilation, but do not stay overnight.

Smoke residue is acidic and can continue to damage surfaces, electronics, and fabrics even after the fire is out. It can also react with humidity in the air, causing a lingering odor and corrosion. In a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and spring hail and thunderstorms, moisture can accelerate that damage.

Cleaning soot properly requires special equipment and methods. Household cleaners can smear the residue or push it deeper into materials. Professional restoration services have the tools to remove soot from walls, ducts, and belongings without spreading it further.

Do not throw away items before a professional assesses them. Many things, such as clothing, books, and furniture, can be cleaned and restored. But do not try to wash soot off electronics or porous items yourself, as that can cause more harm.

Document everything with photos and a list of damaged items. That helps with your insurance claim and with any restoration work you decide to pursue. Keep a notebook and take notes on what you see, but do not touch anything until the pros are on site.