Fire Damage Restoration guide
What to Do After a House FireCall Now.
Need help now? Call (833) 502-4258.
After a house fire, wait for the fire department to release the property, contact your insurer, secure the home with board-up and tarping, avoid touching soot, and arrange professional fire, smoke, and water damage restoration.
Fire out and the property released?
Do not turn on the HVAC or try to wipe soot. Call us to secure the property, remove firefighting water, and stop soot and odor from setting into surfaces.
After a house fire, wait for the fire department to release the property, contact your insurer, secure the home with board-up and tarping, avoid touching soot, and arrange professional fire, smoke, and water damage restoration.
For immediate help, call Patriot Dry at (833) 502-4258.
Updated October 16, 2026 · Written and reviewed by the Patriot Dry team
- 1
Wait for clearance
Do not enter until the fire department says it is safe. Fire can weaken floors, roofs, and stairs.
- 2
Contact your insurer
Report the loss, get a claim number, and ask about temporary living expenses if the home is not habitable.
- 3
Secure the property
Board up broken windows and doors and tarp roof openings to keep out weather and intruders.
- 4
Leave soot alone
Wiping soot smears it deeper. Do not run the HVAC system, which spreads residue.
- 5
Document the damage
Photograph rooms and belongings from a safe position, and make a list of damaged items.
- 6
Start restoration promptly
Firefighting water needs to be extracted and dried, and soot cleaned before it sets into surfaces.
A fire usually causes three kinds of damage: burned materials, smoke and soot that spread far beyond the fire, and water from firefighting. Restoration addresses all three, in the right order.
The property is secured, water is extracted and dried, loose soot is removed with HEPA vacuums, surfaces are cleaned with methods matched to the residue, odor is treated at the source, and damaged areas are rebuilt.
Contents can be packed out, cleaned, and stored while the building is restored.
The American Red Cross offers help after home fires, including temporary assistance and recovery guidance. Keep receipts for emergency expenses such as lodging and supplies.
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Call Now (833) 502-4258- Emergency Fire Damage RestorationIf it is happening right now
- Fire Damage RestorationComplete fire damage restoration: securing the property, removing water, soot, and smoke odor, and repairing or rebuilding what the fire damaged..
- Fire Damage Board-Up and TarpingEmergency boarding of broken windows and doors and tarping of damaged roofs to protect the property from weather, intruders, and further loss..
- Smoke Damage RestorationCleaning and restoration of surfaces, contents, and air systems affected by smoke, often in rooms far from where the fire burned..
- Water Damage After FirefightingExtraction and drying of the water used to put out a fire, which often damages more of the home than the fire itself..
Can I stay in my house after a small fire?
Only if officials say it is safe. Smoke residue and odor can affect the whole home even after a small fire.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Can smoke-damaged belongings be saved?
Many can, with professional cleaning. Electronics should be checked before use.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Why does my house still smell like smoke?
Smoke residue settles in porous materials and ducts. Odor removal requires removing the residue, not masking it.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Who do I call for fire damage restoration near me?
Call Patriot Dry at (833) 502-4258. A real person answers, helps you make the area safe, and connects you with a local fire damage restoration professional.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Is there a 24 hour fire damage restoration company near me?
Yes. Patriot Dry's line is answered 24/7 emergency response. Call (833) 502-4258 any time, day or night, including weekends and holidays.
Call now: (833) 502-4258Answers reviewed October 2026 by the Patriot Dry team · Questions not answered here? Call (833) 502-4258.
After a House Fire? Call now.
Talk to a real person at (833) 502-4258. We will help you make it safe and get a local professional moving.
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