FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE REMEDIATION SERVICES

After a fire, we'll be there to help get your home—and your life—back, all while keeping you informed every step of the way.

Extensive fire damage is unequivocally one of the most severe losses and stressful situations that a homeowner can ever experience in their home. This type of devastating loss can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure, but having clear guidance and support from the right restoration crew can offer reassurance and peace of mind.

At ServiceMaster Water & Fire Restoration by J and S, we don't just employ talented experts in the field. Our staff is full of caring professionals who will take the utmost care getting you back into your home as quickly as possible while offering guidance and reassurance each and every step of the way. We offer a complete range of fire-damage restoration services that also include soot, smoke, and odor removal, so, no matter the extent of your damage, ServiceMaster^® has your covered.

Call (818) 308-1817any time day or night, for comprehensive fire and smoke damage repair in the Los Angeles area.

Damaged kitchen after a fire

FIRE DAMAGE BEYOND THE FLAMES

Most people think big flames and total destruction when they think of a fire-damaged home, but even small fires can cause extensive damage.

Even after the flames are extinguished, ash and smoke can damage materials left behind.
Smoke odor is pervasive and will spread through the home causing damage long after the fire if not properly remediated.
It only takes a few minutes for walls and other surfaces to become discolored and a few hours for the finishes on kitchen appliances to begin to yellow.
Smoke can cause etching in glass and tarnish on metal after a very short time.

ALL FIRE DAMAGES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL

At ServiceMaster^®, we understand that every fire damage is unique. Our thorough restoration process includes:

Identifying the source of the fire to most effectively treat it based on the cause.
Evaluating any water damage incurred from firefighting efforts and remediating the damage if necessary.
Assessing sensitive materials for damage due to smoke and soot particles.
Removing damaged contents, especially items that are immediately needed such as clothing, prescriptions, school books, business needs, etc.
Providing pack out services from remaining content to be cleaned and stored.
Structural remediation including removal of porous contents that will hold onto smoke such as insulation and charred wood.
Evaluating other materials and structures such as carpets and floor coverings for removal.
Inspecting the structural integrity of the home for safety.
Treating and sealing surfaces for smoke odors to eliminate odors and restore surfaces to pre-loss conditions.
Packing in cleaned and restored contents to their original location.

COMMON TYPES OF FIRES

Burnt food on ceiling in kitchen

PROTEIN FIRE

Protein fires occur when food from an oven or stove has burned. These fires leave a very strong odor of burned food as well as smoke residue on nearby contents and surfaces.

A pile of burnt materials

COMPLEX FIRE

Complex fires are, as they sound, complex. These occur when both natural and synthetic items inside the home have burned. This combination causes thick, black smoke that leaves smoke and soot residue of contents and surfaces as well as synthetic smoke odors. Complex fires may require emergency corrosion mitigation to protect at-risk surfaces.

Firefighters standing on roof of smoking building

NATURAL FIRE

Natural fires occur with the burning of natural, not synthetic, materials. When things like trees, shrubs, and bushes burn smoke can penetrate the structure from outside leaving smoke residue and odor.

Bedroom covered in smoke

FURNACE MALFUNCTION

Oil-fired furnaces and other heating appliances can malfunction causing smoke and soot to be distributed throughout your home.

FIRE DAMAGE IS NOT FOR THE DIYER

Although it may be tempting to clean yourself, even small fires should be remediated by a professional. Fires leave behind a biohazardous residue that can cause health issues if not properly cleaned. This type of damage should only be handled by experts with the right training and tools to do the job properly.

Call (818) 308-1817for expert fire, smoke and soot removal today.

Woamn standing in kitchen on the phone after kitchen fire

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE A LOSS

Although fire damages should never be handled alone, there are a few things that can be done while waiting for professional mitigation services to begin.

Open windows and doors to air out the house if the temperature is about 60 degrees.
If safe, wipe down laminate surfaces as well as chrome, porcelain, and aluminum fixtures to reduce the risk of permanent tarnishing or etching.
If you have a forced air furnace, replace the filter right away.
Dampen cheesecloth and tape it over returns and supply registers to capture loose soot blowing through the HVAC system.
Discard all open food and clean out the refrigerator if the electricity is turned off.
Pack up clothing with heavy smoke damage for professional dry cleaning.

There are also things that should be avoided in the aftermath of a fire.

Never touch anything with your bare hands. Not only is the fire residue a biohazard, but oil from your hands is able to permeate porous surfaces causing additional damages.
Do not attempt to wash the walls. Proper cleaning methods are necessary when dealing with soot, and incorrect cleaning can make the problem worse.
Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstery. Again, improper cleaning can compound the problem.
Do not use electrical appliances until they've been assessed for safety.
Avoid using ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.

When the worst happens and you experience fire, smoke, or soot damage in your home, know that you can count on ServiceMaster Water & Fire Restoration by J and S for compassionate and professional service to get you back to normal as quickly as possible.