The short answer
Wait for the Official All-Clear
The first step is to listen to local fire or emergency personnel. They assess the structure for stability, gas leaks, and other dangers. Do not re-enter until they say it is safe. Even if the fire looks out, hidden risks can remain.
Once you get the go-ahead, enter with caution. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a mask to protect against soot and ash. Keep children and pets out until the home is cleaned. If you have health concerns, talk to a doctor before going in.
Protect Yourself During Entry
When you enter, open windows and doors to ventilate the space. Use a flashlight, not candles, to avoid igniting any remaining gases. Wear a respirator or N95 mask, and avoid stirring up dust. Wash your skin and clothes after leaving.
Bring a phone to take photos for your insurance records. Do not touch anything that looks charred or damaged. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave immediately and call the utility company from outside your home.
Assess What Can Be Saved
After a fire, some items may be salvageable, but many are not. Porous materials like carpets, upholstery, and mattresses often absorb smoke and are hard to clean. Food, cosmetics, and any items that were exposed to heat or smoke should be thrown away.
Hard surfaces like glass, metal, and sealed wood may be cleaned, but do so carefully. Check with your insurance company about what to document. If you have water damage from firefighting efforts, that may need separate attention.
- Discard any food that was near the fire or smoke
- Check with your insurance company about what to document
- Take photos of all damage for your records
- Do not use electrical appliances until they are inspected
- Air out the home by opening windows and doors
When to Call the Pros
Fire and smoke cleanup is complex. The pros have the right tools to remove soot, neutralize odors, and clean surfaces safely. They also know how to handle water-damaged areas from firefighting efforts. If you live in Mesa, you have local options for help.
If the fire was large or the damage is extensive, you may need professional help. Local water damage pros can handle the aftermath, including drying out materials and preventing mold. For severe cases, a mold professional may be needed. Always ask about their process before hiring.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Look for visible smoke stains or soot on walls and ceilings
- Notice a strong odor that doesn't fade with airing out
- Find water damage from firefighting efforts
- Feel any soft or sagging areas in floors or ceilings
- See signs of mold or mildew starting to grow
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before going back inside?
Wait for the fire department to declare the structure safe. This can take hours or days, depending on the damage. Do not rush. Your safety is more important than retrieving belongings.
Can I clean smoke damage myself?
Small areas might be cleaned with soap and water, but smoke residues are toxic. For large areas, the pros have specialized equipment. If you attempt it, wear protective gear and ventilate the space.
What about water damage from the fire hoses?
Water from firefighting can cause mold and rot. Dry out the area quickly using fans and dehumidifiers. If the damage is extensive, consider contacting water damage pros to help with drying and cleanup.