Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Ft. Pierre, SD
ServiceMaster of Pierre provides 24/7 fire damage cleanup, smoke odor removal, and soot restoration for homes throughout Ft. Pierre and the greater Pierre area. Whether you’ve experienced a structural fire or widespread smoke damage, our team responds quickly to stabilize your property, reduce secondary damage, and guide you through the restoration process from start to finish.
If you need immediate assistance after a fire, contact ServiceMaster of Pierre at (605) 453-5638 to begin emergency stabilization and professional cleanup.
What to Do Immediately After a House Fire or Smoke Damage
After a fire, safety comes first. Only re-enter the home once authorities confirm it is safe, and avoid restoring utilities until systems are professionally inspected. Even small fires can spread smoke, soot, and corrosive residues throughout the entire structure, including attics, basements, and HVAC systems.
Do:
Document visible damage with photos and written notes
Contact your insurance company to open a claim
Secure exposed areas with board-up or temporary protection
Keep people and pets away from soot-contaminated spaces
Don’t:
Wipe soot from walls or ceilings, which can smear and stain
Turn on HVAC systems before inspection and cleaning
Power on electronics exposed to soot or moisture
Firefighting efforts often leave behind water damage as well, making drying and dehumidification critical to prevent swelling, warping, and mold growth. ServiceMaster of Pierre can respond quickly in Ft. Pierre, SD to assess conditions and begin emergency services.
Is Smoke Damage Toxic and Is It Safe to Stay in the Home?
Smoke damage often contains fine soot particles and chemical residues from burned plastics, fabrics, wiring, and household materials. These contaminants can irritate lungs, eyes, and skin and may worsen respiratory conditions, especially for children and seniors.
Signs the Home May Be Unsafe
Persistent smoke odor that returns after airing out
Visible soot on surfaces, vents, or light fixtures
Irritation such as coughing, headaches, or burning eyes
Smoke residue inside HVAC registers or ductwork
Whether it’s safe to remain in the home depends on contamination levels, structural integrity, and air quality. ServiceMaster of Pierre can assess habitability concerns and recommend the safest next steps, including containment and air scrubbing when needed.
Wet Smoke vs. Dry Smoke: Understanding Smoke Damage Types
Not all smoke damage is the same, and identifying the type of smoke is critical to effective restoration.
Common Smoke Types
Dry Smoke: Powdery soot from fast, high-heat fires; spreads easily without proper filtration
Wet Smoke: Sticky residue from low-heat, smoldering fires; harder to clean and deodorize
Protein Smoke: Nearly invisible residue with strong odor, common after kitchen fires
Fuel/Oily Smoke: Thick films from furnaces, garages, or equipment fires
Each type requires specific cleaning agents, techniques, and deodorization strategies. Using the wrong method can permanently set stains or odors. ServiceMaster of Pierre tailors restoration based on the smoke type affecting your home.
What’s Included in Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration
Fire and smoke damage restoration is a multi-step process designed to stabilize the property, remove hazardous residues, and restore livability.
Our Fire Restoration Services
Emergency board-up and roof tarping
Debris removal and controlled demolition
HEPA vacuuming and soot removal
Detailed cleaning of walls, ceilings, and surfaces
HVAC and ductwork soot mitigation
Contents cleaning, pack-out, and secure storage
Odor neutralization and final verification
Coordination of repairs and rebuild services
Cleaning soot is never one-size-fits-all. We use dry removal methods first to avoid smearing, followed by wet cleaning or sealing when necessary to prevent staining and odor return.
Smoke Odor Removal, Electronics Cleaning, and Contents Recovery
Smoke odor embeds deeply into porous materials and often resurfaces with heat or humidity. Professional deodorization focuses on eliminating odor at the source, not masking it.
Advanced Odor and Contents Solutions
HEPA air scrubbers and containment
Controlled hydroxyl or ozone treatments when appropriate
Thermal fogging after proper cleaning
Evaluation and removal of unsalvageable materials
Soot and smoke residue can also damage electronics quickly due to corrosion. Professional electronics restoration may allow recovery if handled promptly.
Important tips for electronics:
Do not power devices on
Keep items dry and stable
Document serial numbers for insurance
Ask about pack-out services for protection
Timelines, Insurance Coverage, and Cost Expectations
How Long Does Restoration Take?
Days 1–2: Assessment, board-up, drying, and containment
Days 2–7: Soot removal, cleaning, and initial deodorization
Week 2+: Repairs, rebuild coordination, and final verification
Smaller smoke-only losses may take days, while larger fires with structural repairs can take weeks or longer.
Insurance and Cost Considerations
Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage restoration, including cleanup, debris removal, and additional living expenses when the home is uninhabitable. Costs vary widely based on:
Affected square footage
Smoke type and severity
HVAC and contents involvement
Amount of demolition and rebuilding required
ServiceMaster of Pierre provides clear documentation and restoration scopes to support the claims process and help avoid delays.
Why Hire ServiceMaster of Pierre
24/7 emergency fire and smoke response
Proven smoke, soot, and odor removal methods
Experience coordinating insurance documentation
Advanced equipment for air quality and residue control
Local team serving Ft. Pierre and the Pierre area
Our focus is restoring safety, comfort, and peace of mind after fire damage.
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration FAQs
Can smoke damage occur without visible fire damage?
Yes. Smoke and soot can spread throughout the home even when flames are contained to one area.
Will smoke odor go away on its own?
No. Odor often returns without professional cleaning and deodorization.
Is it safe to clean soot myself?
Improper cleaning can smear soot and cause permanent staining. Professional methods are recommended.
Does fire damage restoration include repairs?
Yes. Restoration often includes cleanup, deodorization, and coordination of repairs and rebuilding.
If your home has been affected by fire or smoke damage, don’t wait. Contact ServiceMaster of Pierre at (605) 453-5638 to schedule an on-site inspection in Ft. Pierre, SD and start a clear, step-by-step fire and smoke damage restoration plan today.
