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Fire & smoke damage cleanup & restoration
Fires cause extensive damage, not just from flames, but also from smoke and soot. We remove residue, deal with odor at the source, and rebuild what was lost so your home is safe and livable again.
Types of smoke residue
What we find after a fire decides how we clean it
- Dry smoke
- Fast, hot firesPowdery and light. It spreads widely and works into fine surfaces.
- Wet smoke
- Slow, low-heat firesSticky and smeary, with a strong odor. Hard to clean from porous surfaces.
- Protein
- Kitchen firesA nearly invisible film that can discolor paint and leaves a strong odor.
- Fuel oil
- Furnace puff-backA fine, smeary soot that travels far from the source.
The right restoration partner for you
Our fire and smoke damage restoration process
Our process removes soot and residue, treats odor at its source, and restores your home to its condition before the fire.
- 1
Safety and assessment
Check that the structure is safe, find where smoke and soot traveled, and photograph everything.
- 2
Protect and secure
Secure openings, protect unaffected rooms, and set up barriers so residue does not spread.
- 3
Soot and residue removal
Remove loose soot and residue from walls, ceilings, framing, and surfaces using the method that fits each residue type.
- 4
Cleaning and sealing
Clean surfaces, and seal those where staining or odor could come back through paint.
- 5
Odor removal
Treat any remaining smoke odor after the source is removed. See how we handle odor.
- 6
Repair and rebuild
Replace what was too damaged to save and finish the repairs with our own crew.
We help you restore, rebuild, and move back in
Why choose Restoration by ABG as your fire and smoke damage restoration company?
Our technicians hold the IICRC Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) certification, and we answer the phone 24 hours a day. Restoration by ABG is part of Anaya Builder Group, a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1034169), so after the cleanup the same company handles framing, drywall, paint, and finish work.
- CertifiedIICRC FSRT
- LicenseCSLB #1034169
- Response24-hour service
- Service areaLos Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties
Be ready before a fire happens
Most of what protects your home from a fire is simple and takes minutes to set up.
- Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them as the manufacturer recommends
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it
- Plan two ways out of every room and practice the plan with everyone in the house
- Never leave cooking unattended, and keep space heaters away from anything that burns
- Photograph each room and your belongings now, for insurance later
- Save our number in your phone: 818-877-3306
Prepare for fire and smoke emergencies
Short guides on what to do first and what to avoid after a fire.
After a house fire: what to do and what to avoid
Soot and smoke residue keep doing damage after the fire is out. These steps protect your health and your belongings.
Read guide → WaterWhat to do in the first hour after a water leak
The first hour decides how much of your home can be saved. Here is what to do, in order, and what to leave alone.
Read guide → WaterWater damage checklist
A simple checklist to keep on your phone, covering the first hour, the first day, and what to tell your insurance company.
Read guide →Fire and smoke damage restoration FAQs
Why does smoke damage reach rooms the fire never touched?
Smoke is made of tiny particles that travel with air through gaps, vents, and wall cavities. They settle on surfaces everywhere in the home, often far from the fire.
How soon should I call after a fire?
As soon as the fire department allows you back in. Soot and acidic residue can stain and corrode surfaces within hours and days, so early cleaning protects more of your home.
Can smoke damage be cleaned, or does everything have to be replaced?
Many surfaces can be cleaned. Porous or charred materials, such as burned drywall and heavily smoked insulation, often have to be removed. We clean what can be saved and replace what cannot.
Why does the smoke smell come back after cleaning?
Smoke particles work into porous materials such as drywall, insulation, and wood framing. If the residue is not removed or sealed, the odor returns, especially when the weather is warm or humid.
Is it safe to stay in my home after a fire?
Not until the fire department has cleared it and any utilities have been checked. Even after that, soot and smoke residue can irritate lungs and eyes, so many people stay elsewhere until cleanup is finished.
What should I do with food and medicine?
Throw out food, drinks, and medicine that were exposed to heat, smoke, or fire-fighting chemicals, including items in cans and jars.
Will insurance cover fire and smoke restoration?
Most homeowners policies cover fire damage, but coverage differs. Call your insurer right away, and we will document the loss with photos and records you can give your adjuster.
What certifications do you have?
Our technicians hold IICRC certifications in Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT) and Water Damage Restoration (WRT). Anaya Builder Group is a licensed California general contractor, CSLB #1034169.