Fire Damage Questions, Answered
These are the questions people in Miami ask Miami Fire Damage Pros most often after a fire, answered the way a technician would at the door. They run from the first day through insurance and cost to the smoke smell and the contents. Anything not listed here is worth a call, day or night.
Start here if the fire was today
Stay out until the fire department says the home is safe, call your insurer, and call the crew if a window, door or roof is open. The house fire cleanup guide gives the order for the first day, and the board-up page covers closing the building.
Board-up and roof tarpingFire damage restoration costFire damage insurance claimFire restoration processHow to clean soot off wallsSmoke damage restorationFire damage cleanupWater damage after fireSmoke and soot cleanup
Call about your situation
Fire damage questions answered by topic
How soon can you start?
As soon as the firefighters release the property, which is usually the same day. Board-up and tarping come first.
What should I do before the crew arrives?
Stay out of the burned area, do not run the heating or air conditioning, and do not wipe soot off walls with water. Take photos of every room and keep receipts.
Does insurance cover fire damage?
Most homeowners and renters policies cover fire and smoke, plus the water used to fight it. The insurer decides. The claim guide covers the Florida steps.
How much does fire damage restoration cost?
It depends on the rooms, the residue, the water and what must come out. Nobody can quote it by phone, so the crew writes a free estimate after a visit.
How long does fire restoration take?
Minor damage can take one to two weeks and larger losses longer. The written scope on site gives the real figure.
Can the smoke smell really be removed?
Yes, when the source is removed. The smell lives in the soot and in the ducts and porous materials, so those are cleaned first.
Can I wipe the soot off myself?
Please do not use water. Light soot can sometimes be lifted dry, and the soot guide shows how.
Do we have to move out?
It depends on how far the smoke traveled and whether the utilities are safe. The technician tells you on the first visit.
Can I throw the burned things out myself?
Wait until they are photographed and listed. The county fire department gives the same advice.
Do you handle the water the firefighters left?
Yes. Extraction and drying run alongside the smoke cleanup.
Do you board up windows after a fire?
Yes, around the clock. Openings are closed the same day when the building is open.
Do you rebuild what burned?
Ask when you call. Cleanup and removal come first, and you receive a written list of what came out.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. The crew is licensed and insured for the work done in your home, and estimates are free and written before work is agreed.
Which cities do you serve?
Hialeah, Hollywood, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Opa-locka, Miami Gardens, Pembroke Pines and the city of Miami. The service areas page lists every ZIP code.