A house fire devastates a homeowner, and the damage can go far beyond the visible structural issues and smoke contamination. Emotionally homeowners can have long-lasting effects that are often invisible on the outside.
Fire damage restoration can take time, and many homeowners feel displaced while their homes are being restored and rebuilt. Recovery can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into clear steps can help you move forward confidently.
This guide explains what to do after the flames are out, from immediate safety to long-term restoration.
Fire Damage Restoration Steps
Depending on the extent of the fire damage, a homeowner could be displaced for several days or even weeks. However, taking a few important steps from the beginning can increase the odds of returning to your home as soon as possible.
1. Make Sure It’s Safe to Go Back In
Before you think about stepping back inside, stop and breathe. Just because the fire’s out doesn’t mean it’s safe. There could be hidden damage — weak floors, hanging debris, or toxic air you can’t see or smell.
Wait for the fire department or a building inspector to give you the green light. But if you have any doubts about the safety of your home, get a professional to check things out first. Your safety comes before anything else.
2. Call Your Insurance Company Early For a Smooth Claims Process
Once everyone’s safe and the smoke clears, it’s time to call your insurance company. Don’t wait! The sooner you start the process, the better. If you have a fire report from the fire department, have it handy. They’ll probably ask for it.
If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the damage. The more you can document, the smoother things usually go. And make sure to hang on to every receipt, email, and note along the way — it’ll all matter later.
3. Secure What You Can Before Fire Damage Cleanup Begins
After a fire, the last thing you want is more damage piling on. If there are broken windows, holes in the roof, or parts of the house left open, try to get things covered up or boarded up as soon as possible. Lock it up if you can.
Most insurance companies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect what’s left — and in many cases, they’ll cover the cost of emergency board-up services. Many fire restoration companies can handle this for you, and it’s worth asking if it’s reimbursable under your policy.
4. Get a Full Picture of the Fire Damage
Once things are secure, the next step is figuring out what you’re dealing with. Some damage is easy to spot — charred walls, melted wiring — but fire can get into everything. It can weaken the framing, damage your plumbing and electrical systems, and sneak smoke into walls, ceilings, and vents without you even noticing.
That’s why having a professional fire restoration company do a full inspection is essential so they can check for:
- Structural damage
- Smoke and soot contamination
- Water damage from putting out the fire
- Air quality issues and stubborn odors
A proper assessment helps you plan the next steps and gives your insurance company the necessary documentation.
5. Start the Cleanup (But Don’t Go It Alone)
Cleanup can begin once your insurance adjuster has seen everything and you have the green light. This part can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all yourself — and honestly, you shouldn’t.
The process usually starts with clearing out anything too damaged to save — furniture, flooring, debris. From there, the drying-out process can begin. Firefighters use hoses to kill the fire, which leaves everything soaked. When they leave, fire restoration experts sop up the standing water, run industrial air scrubbers, and disinfect to deal with that lingering smoke smell.
And a quick word of caution: Don’t try to wipe down soot yourself. It’s easy to make it worse. Soot removal is a specialty that includes removing smoke odors. Fire restoration pros have the right tools and techniques to handle it safely and thoroughly.
6. Fire Damage Repair and Rebuilding
Once the cleanup is in motion, it’s time to start putting things back together. Your repair and rebuilding phase will significantly depend on how much damage was left behind by the first responders and firefighters. Sometimes, it might just be a matter of replacing drywall and paint. In others, you could look at new flooring, roofing, or complete electrical and plumbing work.
Some fire restoration companies handle the whole process — from demolition to the last coat of paint — which can save you time and stress. You won’t have to juggle different contractors or determine what comes next. They’ve done this before, and they’ll know how to get your home back to safe, livable, and solid again.
7. Salvage What You Can
Not everything is lost after a fire. Believe it or not, some companies specialize in restoring personal items you’d never expect — like family photos, electronics, furniture, and clothing. Some can be cleaned, treated, and brought back to life.
Depending on the item, they may use ultrasonic cleaning for delicate pieces or ozone treatment to remove the smoke smell. Fabrics can be saved through special dry cleaning or textile restoration.
Keep a list of everything you can recover and anything that’s too far gone — your insurance company will want those details.
8. Think Ahead to Stay Safe
Once the dust settles and your home is back together, it’s a smart time to implement a few safeguards. A handful of simple steps can go a long way toward preventing another fire.
- Test your smoke detectors regularly — and don’t wait to change the batteries.
- Keep fire extinguishers where they’re easy to grab, especially in high-risk areas like the kitchen or garage.
- If your home is older, consider having the electrical system checked out by a pro.
- And make sure everyone in the house knows how to get out fast if there’s ever a next time — practice it together.
You can’t control everything, but you can be ready. And that peace of mind?
Fire Damage Restoration Services in Denver
You don’t have to determine if your home or business has suffered severe damage. Advanced 24/7 Restoration is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies. We’re a reliable fire damage restoration company with years of experience.
Call us anytime at (720) 722‑4777, and a member of our team will be there to help.
We’ve helped countless Denver homeowners and business owners recover from fire, smoke, and water damage. Whether you need answers, a second opinion, or a complete assessment, we’re ready when you are.
Advanced 24/7 Restoration’s mission is to provide unparalleled care and support to our valued clients. Delivering the best solutions for your property restoration needs. Our vision is to be the top-rated damage restoration company in Denver, known for our exceptional services, professionalism, and dedication to customer satisfaction. Water damage, fire damage, flood damage, and more.
