Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration | IICRC #70009761 Certified
Complete fire damage restoration from Water Damage Cleanup .AI CORP: industrial soot removal, thermal fogging smoke odor elimination, water extraction from firefighting, and structural repair. IICRC #70009761 certified technicians with 34 years experience (since 1991) deliver comprehensive restoration with 60-minute emergency response from Otsego, MN throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Fire Restoration
Complete recovery
Smoke Removal
Odor elimination
Licensed & Insured
Full protection
24/7 Response
Always available
Professional Fire Restoration Work
Extensive soot and smoke damage
Advanced smoke odor elimination equipment
IICRC certified fire restoration technicians
Thermal imaging fire damage inspection
Fire Restoration Timeline
Timeline varies based on fire severity, smoke penetration, water damage extent, and structural repairs needed.
Safety Assessment
Emergency Board-Up & Security
2-6 hoursImmediate property securing, board-up installation, emergency tarping, access control, and perimeter protection to prevent further damage, weather exposure, and unauthorized entry.
Equipment Used:
- Steel board-up panels
- Industrial tarps
- Security fencing
- Entry barriers
Safety Inspection & Documentation
4-8 hoursComprehensive structural safety assessment, electrical hazard evaluation, thermal imaging for hot spots, detailed photo/video documentation for insurance claims, and complete damage inventory.
Equipment Used:
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Moisture meters
- Gas detectors
- Photo equipment
Damage Mitigation
Water Extraction & Drying
3-7 daysRemove all water from firefighting efforts using truck-mounted extractors, industrial dehumidifiers, and air movers. Critical to prevent mold growth within 24-48 hours of fire suppression.
Equipment Used:
- Truck-mounted extractors
- LGR dehumidifiers
- High-velocity air movers
- Moisture detection
Soot & Ash Removal
1-2 weeksProfessional cleaning using pH-specific solutions, dry cleaning sponges, and HEPA vacuum systems. Prevents acidic soot from causing permanent damage to surfaces and materials.
Equipment Used:
- HEPA vacuums
- Dry sponges
- Chemical cleaners
- Protective gear
Smoke Odor Elimination
3-7 daysAdvanced deodorization using thermal fogging, ozone treatment, hydroxyl generators, and air scrubbing to permanently remove embedded smoke odors from structure and contents.
Equipment Used:
- Thermal foggers
- Ozone generators
- Hydroxyl machines
- HEPA air scrubbers
Reconstruction
Content Cleaning & Restoration
1-3 weeksProfessional cleaning of salvageable items using ultrasonic cleaning, ozone chambers, and specialized restoration techniques. Non-salvageable items documented for insurance replacement claims.
Equipment Used:
- Ultrasonic cleaners
- Ozone chambers
- Content packing
- Climate storage
Structural Repairs & HVAC Cleaning
4-12 weeksDemolish fire-damaged materials, clean HVAC system to prevent odor recirculation, rebuild walls/ceilings/floors, install new materials, and perform all necessary structural repairs.
Equipment Used:
- Demolition tools
- Duct cleaning
- Construction materials
- Paint equipment
Why Professional Fire Restoration is Critical
Soot is Acidic & Corrosive
Soot continues damaging surfaces for weeks after fire. Professional cleaning with pH-appropriate solutions prevents permanent etching, discoloration, and material degradation.
Smoke Odor Penetrates Deep
Smoke molecules penetrate porous materials and HVAC systems. Thermal fogging, ozone treatment, and air duct cleaning required for complete odor elimination.
Water Damage from Firefighting
Firefighting efforts cause extensive water damage requiring immediate extraction and drying. Mold growth begins within 24-48 hours without professional mitigation.
Hidden Structural Damage
Fire weakens structural components not visible to untrained eyes. Thermal imaging and professional inspection identify compromised beams, joists, and supports.
Health Hazards & Toxins
Soot contains toxic chemicals, carcinogens, and harmful particles. Professional PPE and containment procedures protect occupants from health risks during cleanup.
Insurance Documentation Requirements
Insurance companies require detailed documentation, professional assessment, and industry-standard restoration processes. Improper DIY cleanup may void coverage.
Fire Restoration Timeline
Minor Fire Damage
Single room, limited smoke, minimal structural damage
- Emergency board-up: 2-6 hours
- Water extraction: 2-3 days
- Soot cleaning: 3-5 days
- Odor elimination: 2-3 days
- Minor repairs: 1-2 weeks
Moderate Fire Damage
Multiple rooms, extensive smoke, moderate structural damage
- Emergency services: 1 day
- Assessment & documentation: 2-3 days
- Water mitigation: 5-7 days
- Soot removal: 1-2 weeks
- Demolition: 3-5 days
- Reconstruction: 4-6 weeks
Severe Fire Damage
Whole structure affected, major rebuilding required
- Safety assessment: 2-3 days
- Complete water extraction: 1-2 weeks
- Full soot remediation: 2-3 weeks
- Extensive demolition: 1-2 weeks
- Complete reconstruction: 8-16 weeks
- Final detailing: 1 week
Comprehensive Fire Damage Services
Related Services
We also provide comprehensive services including:
Advanced Fire Cleanup Equipment & Technology
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Detect hidden hot spots, structural damage, and moisture behind walls and ceilings to ensure complete fire cleanup and safety.
HEPA Air Scrubbers
Remove smoke particles, soot, and odors from air during restoration with hospital-grade HEPA filtration and activated carbon filters.
Ozone Generators
Eliminate stubborn smoke odors at molecular level by breaking down odor-causing compounds permanently embedded in materials.
Hydroxyl Generators
Safe deodorization technology that can run while building is occupied, breaking down smoke odor molecules without harmful ozone.
Truck-Mounted Extractors
Powerful water extraction removing firefighting water with 3x suction power of portable units for rapid water damage mitigation.
LGR Dehumidifiers
Low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers remove moisture 4x faster than standard units, preventing mold growth after fire suppression.
IICRC Certified Fire Damage Restoration
Our technicians are IICRC certified in fire and smoke restoration, trained in the latest techniques for soot removal, odor elimination, and structural repair. We follow industry standards to ensure your property receives professional care from a trusted restoration company.
Licensed & Insured
Full protection for your property
Google Verified
Trusted with verified reviews
Industry Certified
IICRC fire restoration experts
Fire Restoration FAQ
What are some effective DIY ways to remove soot after a small fire?
Do NOT attempt DIY soot removal. Soot is acidic and corrosive - improper cleaning spreads contamination and permanently sets stains. Wiping or scrubbing soot pushes it deeper into surfaces causing irreversible damage. Professional fire restoration uses pH-specific cleaning solutions, dry chemical sponges, and HEPA vacuum systems designed for soot's unique chemistry. Even small fires require professional assessment to identify hidden damage and prevent long-term problems. Contact certified fire restoration professionals immediately.
What are typical insurance coverage limits for fire damage?
Fire damage insurance coverage varies by policy but typically includes: dwelling coverage (rebuilding structure to policy limits, usually replacement cost), personal property coverage (contents replacement, typically 50-70% of dwelling coverage), additional living expenses (hotel/temporary housing during restoration, usually 20% of dwelling coverage for 12-24 months), and debris removal (usually 5% of dwelling coverage). Most policies cover sudden and accidental fire damage including smoke damage, water damage from firefighting efforts, and necessary temporary repairs. Review your policy's exclusions, deductibles, and actual cash value vs replacement cost provisions. Professional fire restoration companies provide detailed documentation and work directly with insurance adjusters to maximize your claim.
What are common building codes after fire reconstruction?
Fire reconstruction must meet current building codes, not codes from when home was built. Common requirements include: updated electrical systems (AFCI breakers, GFCI outlets, adequate circuits), fire-rated materials (Type X drywall in garages/multi-family, fire-blocking in walls), egress windows in bedrooms (minimum 5.7 sq ft opening, 24-inch height/width, 44-inch max sill height), smoke/CO detectors (interconnected, in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, each level), structural upgrades (hurricane straps, seismic bracing in applicable areas), energy efficiency standards (insulation R-values, window U-factors, HVAC efficiency), and accessibility features if substantial reconstruction. Permits and inspections required throughout reconstruction process. Professional fire restoration contractors handle all code compliance, permitting, and inspections.
Common questions:
Fire Damage Requires Immediate Action
Professional restoration prevents further damage and speeds recovery