House Fire Cleanup in Miami-Dade County
House fire cleanup in Miami-Dade starts with safety and paperwork, and the scrubbing comes after. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue publishes an After the Fire booklet that sets the order of the first day. This guide follows that booklet and says where the cleanup crew fits in.
The first hours before house fire cleanup begins
Do not go back in until Miami-Dade Fire Rescue or the city department clears the scene, because the booklet says floors and roofs can fail and the air carries remnants of burned material. Call your insurer, then take care of immediate needs. The American Red Cross South Florida Region offers help on scene, with financial assistance on scene and temporary shelter, plus comfort kits, at 1-800-HELP-NOW. Keep pets out of the house until cleanup is done.
Power, gas and water after a house fire
Firefighters shut the power off. The booklet says only a licensed electrician can judge the wiring, and that Florida Power & Light turns power back on after the electrician advises. FPL's 24-hour number in the booklet is 305-442-8770. For natural gas and for Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, the booklet lists 311. If you smell gas, the booklet warns it can asphyxiate and explode.
Getting the fire report after a house fire
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's report is available seven to ten days after the incident from its Central Records Bureau, 9300 NW 41st Street, Doral, at 786-331-4900, for $1.00 per certified page. Provide the incident date and place, plus the incident number. If a city department such as Hialeah, Miami or Miami Beach responded, ask that department for its own report.
When house fire cleanup can start
Cleanup begins once the building is released and secured. An open building is boarded first, then the crew photographs the rooms, lists what leaves and starts the cleanup. The booklet advises owners not to throw away damaged goods until an inventory exists.
What not to do after a house fire
Do not use food, drinks or medicine that was exposed to heat, smoke or water. Do not wear or sleep in contaminated clothing and bedding. Do not mix cleaning products. Do not use appliances that were wet until a licensed electrician checks them. The booklet lists each of these.
Sources read for this guide
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, After the Fire booklet, read 2026-11-07; American Red Cross as cited in the booklet.
Get help with the cleanup
When the building is open, the board-up page is the next step, and a call at (954) 248-3035 sends a crew.
Board-up and roof tarpingFire damage insurance claimFire restoration processServices
House fire cleanup questions answered
What should I do first after a house fire?
Make sure everyone is safe, wait for the fire department to clear the home, call your insurer and then the Red Cross if you need help.
Who turns the power back on?
Florida Power & Light, after a licensed electrician has checked the wiring, per the county booklet.
How do I get a copy of the fire report?
From the department that responded. For Miami-Dade Fire Rescue it is the Central Records Bureau at 786-331-4900, seven to ten days after the fire.
When can cleanup start?
As soon as the fire department releases the property, usually the same day. Board-up and tarping come first.