Emergency guides / Fire & Smoke

After a house fire: what to do and what to avoid

Fire & Smoke · 2026-10-07

Soot and smoke residue keep doing damage after the fire is out. These steps protect your health and your belongings.

Even a small fire leaves soot and smoke residue far from where it started. The right steps in the first day make cleanup easier.

Before you go back inside

• Wait until the fire department says the structure is safe to enter.
• If utilities were shut off, do not turn them back on until they have been checked.
• Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and gloves when you do go in. A mask rated for fine particles is better than nothing.

Protect what you can

• Do not touch walls, ceilings, or upholstery with bare hands. The oils on your skin can set soot into the surface.
• Do not run the heating or air conditioning system. It can pull soot and smoke through the whole house.
• Keep children and pets out of the affected area.
• Do not try to wash walls or ceilings. Washing smears soot and can make stains permanent.
• Do not try to clean electronics that were exposed to smoke or heat. Have them checked first.

Food and medicine

• Throw away food, drinks, and medicine that were exposed to heat, smoke, or fire-fighting chemicals, including items in cans and jars.
• When in doubt, throw it out.

Document everything

• Take photos and video of every room before anything is moved.
• Make a list of damaged belongings and their approximate value.
• Call your insurance company right away.

Why smoke smell lingers

Smoke particles settle into porous materials such as drywall, insulation, carpet, and wood framing. Odor will return until the residue is removed or sealed. See our odor removal page for how we handle it.

Call us

We are certified in fire and smoke restoration (IICRC FSRT). Call 818-877-3306 any time, day or night.