What to Do if Ash or Smoke from Nearby Wildfires Affects Your Home
In Durango, the wildfire season has the potential to cause serious damage to local homes. From late spring through fall, the threat of fires can pose a serious risk to homeowners. Even if a home isn’t directly in a burn path, drifting ash and smoke can still damage interiors, HVAC systems, and insulation. In recent years, the number of wildfires across the Four Corners region has increased. Because of this, it is extremely important to know what to do if ash or smoke from nearby wildfires affects your residence.
For assistance with fire damage restoration, smoke odor removal, and ash cleanup, ServiceMaster by Frontline is here to help. We are a trusted local expert in wildfire smoke damage cleanup, and our emergency services assist homeowners in need of immediate service. For more information on our fire damage restoration services, call us today at 505-209-8565 to schedule a damage assessment.
Why Smoke and Ash Pose a Hidden Risk to Your Home
Residential fire damage is a serious issue that must be addressed in a timely manner. Even if your home is not engulfed in flames, nearby smoke and ash may enter your home and cause problems for your household. Fine smoke particles and ash can enter a residence through HVAC systems, cracks, open windows, and vents.
Because wildfire smoke often contains toxic compounds like benzene and formaldehyde, it is important to restore your home before these contaminants settle on surfaces and in fabrics. Homes in Durango often feature wood interiors and exposed beams that absorb odors and particulates easily. The presence of smoke and ash can also degrade air quality and impact electronics, insulation, and furniture over time.
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Property
If a wildfire is in your vicinity, there are steps you can take to protect your home from smoke and ash damage. Shut windows and doors tightly, and seal drafts with damp towels to prevent harmful smoke from entering your residence. Turn off your central HVAC if it is not equipped with a HEPA filter and use portable air purifiers to maintain your indoor air quality. If ash enters your home, wipe down surfaces using damp microfiber cloths, and keep your pets indoors to avoid respiratory irritation. Lastly, call a local fire damage restoration company and schedule a professional cleaning.
How Wildfires Affect Homes in Durango Specifically
The city of Durango is known for its dry, high-desert climate. Dry climates can greatly contribute to wildfires, and homeowners in La Plata County may be affected by fires in the nearby San Juan National Forest. The winds in the Animas River Valley often carry smoke and ash into residential neighborhoods even when fires are far away. This exposes homeowners to fire risks and the threat of severe property damage.
Fire damage is a time-sensitive issue, and delaying your service request may result in health issues or lingering smoke odors in your home. Homes in Durango with swamp coolers or evaporative cooling systems are particularly vulnerable to drawing smoke indoors. In addition to this, many homes in the area are built with natural wood, adobe, or stone—all of which trap smoke odors more than synthetic materials.
Our Expert Smoke and Ash Cleanup Process
- Assessment & Air Quality Testing: Upon arriving at your home, we will assess your fire damage to understand the full scope of your problems. We detect invisible contaminants and create a custom restoration plan for your residence.
- Deep Cleaning of Surfaces & Contents: After detecting damage, we use specialized equipment to remove soot, ash, and residue from walls, floors, and belongings. Our services eliminate contaminants and improve indoor air quality.
- HVAC System Cleaning: HVAC systems can harbor mold, dust, and other contaminants that are harmful to the human body. We provide thorough HVAC cleaning treatments that prevent mold spores and airborne contaminants from circulating throughout your home.
- Deodorization & Air Purification: The presence of smoke and ash in a home can compromise your indoor air quality and expose your household to harmful contaminants. We eliminate lingering odors using ozone or hydroxyl generators.
- Content Restoration: Smoke and ash can damage your property. Soft goods, electronics, furniture, and other personal belongings may be salvageable. Our content restoration services can remove smoke and ash from your personal property and prevent it from fully succumbing to fire damage. If you have unsalvageable items, we can help you document damages for insurance purposes.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Smoke Damage Properly
Homeowners should never wait to begin cleaning smoke damage. Failure to promptly remediate smoke damage may cause odors to permanently set into fabric, insulation, and upholstery. The acidity from ash buildup can corrode electronics, appliances, and surfaces. Soot residue left in HVAC systems may circulate contaminants throughout your home long after the fire has been extinguished.
Reliable Wildfire Smoke Damage Cleanup in Durango, CO
Wildfire smoke and ash don’t have to leave lasting damage in your home, but fast, expert cleanup services are the key to preventing lasting damage. As a trusted local partner, ServiceMaster by Frontline provides Durango homeowners with quality smoke damage restoration services. If wildfire smoke or ash has affected your home in Durango, don’t wait. Call ServiceMaster by Frontline today at 505-209-8565 to schedule your residential fire damage restoration.
