What fire restoration covers
- Board-up and securing the property if windows, doors or the roof were damaged.
- Water removal and drying from firefighting water, which can be considerable even for a contained fire.
- Soot and smoke residue cleaning on walls, ceilings, cabinets and contents. Different residues, such as dry soot from a fast fire or oily residue from a smoldering one, need different cleaning methods.
- Odor removal using methods such as thermal fogging, ozone or hydroxyl treatment, and sealing of affected framing.
- Contents cleaning and pack-out of furniture, clothing and belongings that can be saved.
- Reconstruction of burned or heavily damaged areas.
Common fire sources in Henderson
Cooking fires are the most common household fire nationwide, and Henderson is no different. Summer heat adds strain to electrical systems, garage refrigerators, pool equipment and lithium batteries in tools and e-bikes stored in hot garages. Dryer lint buildup and outdoor grills on patios round out the usual causes.
After the fire: first steps
- Don't go back in until the fire department clears the building.
- Call your insurer and start a claim. Ask about additional living expenses if the home isn't livable.
- Don't wipe soot off walls or upholstery. Rubbing smears it deeper.
- Don't run the HVAC system until it has been checked, since it can spread soot through the house.
- Throw away food, medicine and cosmetics exposed to heat or smoke.
- Photograph everything before cleanup starts.
Fire & Smoke Damage coverage by ZIP code
Referrals for fire & smoke damage are available in these Henderson ZIP codes:
Questions about fire & smoke damage
Is smoke damage covered if the fire was in my neighbor's unit?
Smoke damage is usually covered under your own homeowners or renters policy, regardless of where the fire started. Talk to your insurer.
Can smoke odor really be removed?
In most cases, yes. It takes cleaning every affected surface, deodorizing, and sometimes sealing framing or replacing insulation. Masking sprays alone don't work.
Should I clean soot myself?
Light, dry soot on a small hard surface can sometimes be handled with a dry chemical sponge. For anything larger, or on fabrics and porous materials, professional cleaning helps avoid permanent staining.