When you walk into a home after a fire, the first thing that hits you isn’t the blackened walls. It’s the smell. Soot has a way of embedding itself into everything porous, from drywall to the wooden subfloor. The HVAC system quietly spreads residue throughout the building while water from firefighting efforts wicks into studs and insulation. Every minute matters, because smoke and moisture don’t wait around for a claim number. At Bedrock Restoration, we approach fire damage like a complex medical case: stabilize the patient, diagnose precisely, execute a staged treatment plan, and follow through until function and form are restored.
What follows isn’t a sales pitch or a paint-by-numbers checklist. It’s the way seasoned restorers think about fire scenes, the decisions we make on the ground, and the choreography that keeps a chaotic environment moving toward recovery.
The first hour: stabilize the site and stop secondary damage
If the fire department has cleared the structure for re-entry, our crew arrives with two immediate priorities: make the property safe and stop the spread of damage. Safety is non-negotiable. We carry multi-gas meters to check for carbon monoxide and volatile compounds, use infrared thermography to scan for hidden smoldering hotspots behind walls, and verify that utilities are secured. If the electrical panel shows heat damage, we coordinate a temporary power solution via a portable distribution board and a generator sized for air movers, negative air machines, and lighting.
Stabilization looks different depending on the building and the fire. A single-room cooking fire might leave the envelope intact but coat the home in protein soot that smells like rancid grease and clings to paint in a thin, almost invisible film. A living room candle flare-up could blow out windows, inviting weather and trespassers. In those cases we board up windows and doors, tarp roof penetrations, and establish negative pressure in the main affected zone to keep smoke particulate from migrating deeper into the structure.
Water is the silent saboteur after a fire. Sprinklers or hoses can leave gallons pooled under baseboards and trapped in ceilings. We extract standing water first using weighted extraction wands on carpet or squeegee vacs on hard surfaces, then map moisture with calibrated meters and thermal imaging to understand the wet footprint. If we see category 3 contamination—think sewage backup or heavy exterior runoff mixing with suppression water—we treat it as such from the start, using disinfectants appropriate for porous and non-porous materials.
At the same time, we photograph and video the scene. Not staged glamour shots, but comprehensive documentation: visible structure, HVAC registers, attics, crawlspaces, the way soot patterns show directional flow. This becomes the backbone of the job file, the insurance claim, and the restoration plan.
Triage and scope: what can be saved, what must go
A proper scope isn’t a guess from the doorway. We break down the property into zones based on heat impact, smoke exposure, and moisture levels. Heavy heat zones show charring, structural compromise, and often require partial demolition. Moderate smoke zones might be structurally sound but heavily coated. Light smoke zones could be adjacent rooms that need cleaning and odor mitigation but no removal.
We look for telltales. Blistered paint over gypsum suggests heat compromised the paper face, which can delaminate later. Plaster can often be saved if the lath remains intact and readings are within a recoverable range. Cabinets are a judgment call: solid hardwood faces often restore well; MDF boxes that swelled from water usually do not. Laminate countertops may warp or delaminate along edges; quartz and solid surface fare better. Insulation becomes a question of odor. Fiberglass batts soak up smoke and rarely lose the smell; dense-pack cellulose becomes a soot reservoir; closed-cell spray foam tends to resist penetration but still needs evaluation at the surface.
We also track contents. Anything with a motor, a circuit board, or a delicate finish needs special attention. A toaster packed with soot can be cleaned; a heat-warped TV usually cannot. Clothing, bedding, and soft goods move quickly to an off-site facility for ozone or hydroxyl treatment and specialized laundering. Paper goods get triaged: critical documents might go to freeze-drying if they’re wet; the rest may be inventoried and discarded with owner consent.
This is where communication with the owner matters. A dining table with smoke damage might be restorable, but if it’s a family heirloom, we spend the time to refinish rather than replace. Conversely, if a mass-market rug will cost more to clean than to buy new, we lay out the math and let the owner and adjuster weigh in.
Coordinating with insurance without losing speed
Fire claims bring pressure from every direction. We keep momentum without bulldozing the process. After initial stabilization, we present a preliminary scope with line items that reflect industry-standard pricing, photos to justify each recommendation, and a clear division between emergency services and rebuild tasks. The more clarity up front, the fewer back-and-forth delays later.
Adjusters appreciate candor about gray areas. For instance, HVAC cleaning is sometimes contested. We pull registers and inspect the trunk lines. If we see soot deposition past the first elbow or acid residue on the evaporator coil, we recommend full system cleaning and filtration replacement. If the impact is localized, we document that and propose a limited scope to save budget. That credibility pays off when we need approval for specialized deodorization or extended equipment runtimes.
Demolition with intent, not aggression
Good mitigation is surgical. Instead of tearing out every smoky surface, we remove only what compromises structural integrity, hygiene, or future odor control. Cuts happen at logical transitions—center of stud bays, full ceiling planes rather than patchwork—to set up clean rebuild lines. Crews bag and tag debris to prevent tracking soot into unaffected areas, and we control egress paths with tack mats and containment flaps.
When we expose framing, we don’t assume it’s ready for encapsulation. We perform dry ice blasting, sand or soda blasting, or abrasive sponge media depending on the substrate and accessibility. Dry ice is our workhorse: it removes char and soot without adding moisture and leaves no secondary waste aside from the abated residue. In tight interiors where rebound is a risk, best restoration services St Louis Park MN we use hepa-filtered capture near the blasting area and negative air machines to maintain directional airflow toward our primary containment.
Char depth matters. If char penetrates beyond a thin surface layer into structural members, we consult with a structural engineer and the local building authority. There’s a line between cosmetic removal and loss of structural capacity. When in doubt, we verify with a resistograph or similar tool rather than rely on a glance and a thumb press.
Air management and odor control: the science behind the smell
Odor control succeeds or fails based on particle capture and source removal. We deploy a mix of hepa air scrubbers, negative air machines, and sometimes hydroxyl generators. Ozone has its place off-site for contents; on-site, we prefer hydroxyl for occupied structures due to safety and material compatibility.
A common mistake is to run too few air changes per hour. For heavy soot cleanup, we target 6 to 8 air changes per hour within the containment, verified by machine CFM and the cubic volume of the space. Filters load fast in early phases; we log delta-P and swap pre-filters frequently to keep hepa efficiency high. If painting or sealant application is on the near horizon, we tune airflow to manage off-gassing while maintaining negative pressure relative to clean areas.
Protein fires—those kitchen incidents with minimal visible soot but intense odor—call for a different approach. We clean every surface in the affected airflow path: cabinet interiors, tops of door frames, inside light fixtures, even the undersides of shelves where convection currents deposit residue. Enzymatic cleaners help break down the odorous compounds, and we follow with a thorough rinse to avoid film. Only after surfaces are lab-grade clean do we consider sealers.
Cleaning the structure: chemistry, technique, and restraint
All soot is not created equal. Wet soot from slow, smoldering fires smears and stains if attacked with the wrong product. Dry soot from fast, hot fires brushes off more easily but can be abrasive. We test-clean inconspicuous sections to choose the right chemistry, starting with the least aggressive options.
On painted drywall, a hepa vacuum with a soft brush head and a chem-sponge pass can lift a surprising amount of residue before any wet process. On stubborn areas, alkaline cleaners may be necessary to neutralize acidity. We protect any exposed metal from corrosive soot with a light, temporary oil film during the early days, particularly plumbing fixtures and door hardware. Stone needs its own playbook: marble and limestone react badly to acids, so we stay within pH ranges that won’t etch surfaces.
Trim work, doors, and cabinets respond well to progressive cleaning—vacuum, dry sponge, then a targeted wet clean. If staining bleeds through or odor persists despite cleaning, we sand to fresh wood and follow with a smoke-seal primer. We keep an eye on cumulative moisture; overwetting interiors extends dry times and can telegraph through finishes later.
Flooring decisions often tip the schedule. Solid hardwood can be saved if cupping is minor and moisture content returns to baseline within a reasonable window. Engineered wood with a thin wear layer or laminate usually doesn’t forgive water and heat. Tile and grout can be cleaned deeply, but check for subfloor swelling before declaring victory. Carpet that saw heavy soot and water gets removed; the pad almost always goes.
Contents: salvage, clean, or replace
We divide contents into categories—hard goods, soft goods, electronics, and high-value specialty items. Tagging and inventory are tedious but essential; it’s the only way to reconcile scope, claim value, and owner expectations.
At our contents facility, we use an assembly-line approach. Items move from intake to a staging area where photos and condition notes are logged. Ultrasonic cleaning handles durable items like dishes, metal fixtures, and some tools. Porous items that can be saved go through deodorization chambers with hydroxyl or ozone, depending on material. After that, they get re-washed or wiped to remove any residual oxidized particles.
Electronics are tricky. Soot is conductive, and moisture elevates the risk of corrosion. If a device is important enough to warrant an attempt—think servers, musical instruments with electronic components—we partner with specialists who disassemble, clean board-level components, and test. For consumer-grade devices, replacement often costs less than the cleaning and validation workflow. We present the options plainly.
Soft goods include everything from winter coats to stuffed animals. We use specialty laundry systems with deodorizing agents and controlled agitation. Items that touched contaminated water or show heat-damaged fibers are typically unsalvageable. Again, we align with the owner on what to prioritize.
Drying and environmental controls: speed with discipline
Moisture is patient; it will find the coldest surface and condense. We place dehumidifiers sized to the building volume and initial readings, not guesswork. Low-grain refrigerant units are our go-to for most structures. In dense assemblies, like plaster over lath or multi-layer subfloors, we may add heat drying to move bound water. We track grains per pound and equilibrium moisture content daily and adjust the machine mix accordingly.
It’s tempting to pull equipment early to reduce noise and cost. That shortcut comes back later as microbial growth, cupped floors, or paint failure. We set a clear drying goal at the start—often 10 to 12 percent moisture content for dimensional lumber, with reference to unaffected areas—and we don’t deviate without a technical reason.
Sealing and encapsulation: when and where to lock in odors
Encapsulation isn’t a bandage for incomplete cleaning. It’s a final step after removal of char and thorough cleaning, used to lock residual odor in porous structural members. We use smoke-seal primers and specialty encapsulants rated for fire restoration, choosing vapor-permeable products in assemblies that need to continue drying. On open framing, full-surface application beats spot coverage. We document the products, coverage rates, and lot numbers in the job file for future reference.
For masonry—fireplaces, brick walls—odor can persist after cleaning. A breathable masonry sealer can help, but we allow the material to release moisture first. Sealing damp brick traps odor and can cause spalling in freeze-thaw climates.
HVAC and indoor air quality: cleaning the invisible pathways
Even if the system wasn’t running during the fire, soot can infiltrate ductwork through pressure changes. We start with a camera inspection and particulate testing at registers. If cleaning is warranted, we mechanically agitate ducts with rotary brushes and negative pressure collection, replace all filters, and clean the air handler interior, including the blower and coil. After cleaning, we run the system with high-efficiency filters to capture strays during construction and finishing.
We also pay attention to makeup air. During restoration, the building envelope is often compromised, and pressure relationships go sideways. Balancing airflow while maintaining negative pressure in work zones stops odors from returning and keeps dust from wandering.
Rebuild: the part owners see, powered by what they don’t
Once mitigation is complete, rebuild should feel straightforward. Framing repairs, insulation replacement, drywall, trim, paint, flooring, fixtures—this part looks like a normal remodel. The difference is in the substrate. Surfaces are cleaned, sealed where appropriate, and dry. That foundation prevents callbacks for ghosting, odor bleed-through, and finish failures.
We coordinate trades to minimize rework. Electricians pull new runs through open cavities before insulation. Insulation crews install the specified R-values with attention to air sealing. Drywall teams use proper fastener patterns to avoid nail pops when heat swings return. Kitchen installers work from a verified level subfloor, not a patched quilt with unknown movement. Painters use stain-blocking primers in areas where staining is likely, even when odor isn’t present.
We mock up finish samples when there’s any doubt. Smoke can change a homeowner’s taste—they may want brighter, cleaner palettes after living with soot. It’s a small step that prevents disappointment on the last day.
Testing, verification, and honest sign-off
Before handing back the keys, we verify success. Odor is subjective, but there are objective proxies. We perform particulate counts to compare affected spaces to outdoor baseline and to untouched areas of the property. Moisture readings confirm materials are within target. In some cases, we enlist third-party hygienists for clearance testing, especially after heavy smoke events or when sensitive occupants are involved.
We walk the owner through the restored spaces, describe what was replaced versus restored, and provide maintenance guidance. That includes filter changes, cautious reintroduction of soft goods from storage, and realistic expectations about faint residual odors that may linger briefly in weather swings, usually dissipating as the building lives again.
Edge cases that change the playbook
Not every fire is straightforward. Here are a few scenarios where we adjust tactics:
- Wildfire smoke incursions without structural burning: The damage looks like dust but behaves like an oil. We focus on HVAC cleaning, attic insulation removal if contamination is heavy, and whole-home detailed cleaning. Exterior washing includes soffits, vents, and screens. Porous exterior materials like unsealed cedar can hold odor and may need sealing. Attic fires with limited interior damage: Thermal damage travels through roofing layers, and water ponds in insulation. We remove wet insulation aggressively, dry the decking and rafters, and coordinate with roofers on underlayment and shingle replacement. Smoke travels down chases and recessed lighting cans, so interior cleaning still matters. Commercial kitchens: Fire suppression chemicals add a layer of residue that requires specialized degreasers. Equipment must meet health department inspections after cleaning. Downtime costs the business money, so we stage work to reopen partial operations when possible. Historic homes: Plaster, millwork, and original windows deserve preservation. We lean on dry cleaning methods, gentle blasting media, and reversible sealers. Matching old-growth wood grain and profiles in rebuild requires thoughtful sourcing and time. Multi-family properties: Common systems and shared walls complicate scopes. We coordinate with property managers, insure proper containment to keep neighbors safe and unaffected, and communicate clearly about schedule and access.
Why speed, sequence, and care matter
Fires are traumatic. People want to see progress, fast. The paradox is that the fastest route to a safe, odor-free, durable restoration is methodical. Skip a step early and the problem resurfaces when the weather changes or the HVAC kicks on after a long weekend. Rush demolition and you pay for it in rebuild complexity. Cut corners on cleaning and you chase odors with paint forever.
We measure success a month after the last brushstroke, when the home smells like nothing at all. That’s the goal: neutral, quiet, predictable. It comes from a thousand small decisions made correctly—from how the first containment zipper is taped to how the final filter is seated in the return grille.
What homeowners can do in the first day
If you’re reading this because a fire just happened, a few actions can reduce later headaches while you wait for help:
- Avoid turning on the HVAC. It spreads soot through the system and into clean rooms. If it’s already on, switch it off at the thermostat, then at the breaker if it won’t respond. Don’t wash walls or textiles on your own. The wrong cleaner sets stains permanently. Let a restorer test and choose the method. Separate high-value or sentimental items. Point them out to the crew so they can be prioritized for specialized cleaning. Limit movement in the heaviest soot areas. Foot traffic grinds particles into flooring and finishes. If the structure is open to weather, keep it secure. A quick tarp or board-up prevents water intrusion and keeps animals and trespassers out.
The finish line: handing back a home, not just a project
There’s a moment on every fire job when the space crosses from construction back into living. The hum of machines stops. Light hits freshly painted walls without highlighting soot shadows. You open a closet and it smells like soap and cedar, not smoke. The fridge runs again. The house feels like itself.
That’s the standard we hold to at Bedrock Restoration. It isn’t magic, and it isn’t guesswork. It’s a practiced sequence, flexible enough to fit the messiness of real buildings and real lives, grounded by trade knowledge and a respect for the materials we touch. Fire takes away control. A disciplined restoration gives it back, step by step, from the first board-up to the last clean filter.