How Do You Get Rid of Smoke Damage from A Fire?

By December 31, 2021, more than 58,700 wildfires burned away more than 7.13 million acres, according to a National Interagency Fire Center’s report. Much is made of the number of resources it takes to put out a fire, the shared collaboration among countries to provide equipment and manpower, and the devastation of nature and loss of homes – but there is an equally important thing to consider. Wildfire smoke leaves behind more than a smell. It leaves behind particulate that is harmful to humans and buildings alike. Fire and smoke remediation are a must for any area affected, even if it was just the smoke and not the flames that hit your home.

The problem with smoke

The issue with fire is obvious. It is destructive and renders buildings unsafe and unstable. When the fire and smoke remediation team comes in, part of their job is to assess those structures and help facilitate the removal of debris. However, it is what you cannot see that is equally harmful. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that is harmful once breathed in. This particulate remains long after the smoke has cleared, and it can cause respiratory issues. Those at the highest risk of breathing in the lingering soot are young children, pregnant women, the elderly, outdoor workers and anyone with a compromised respiratory system.

But that is not all. The particulate matter stresses home and commercial HVAC systems and quickly clogs up the filters. Part of fire and smoke remediation is having this matter cleaned out so the soot is not spread through buildings as the HVAC struggles to keep up, and the filters fail.

How do fire and smoke remediation companies get rid of that smell?

Apart from the dangers of smoke particulate, smoke simply doesn’t smell nice. It is invasive, sinking into fabrics like clothing and carpets. Fire and smoke remediation professionals get rid of the smell through a combination of intensive air duct and HVAC system cleaning and indoor air quality management strategies (air purification, air scrubbers, negative air machines, surface deodorizers, etc.).

Professionals arrive with the PPE and tools they need to get the job done fast. It is very important to rely on professional fire and smoke remediation companies because they are not just getting rid of the smell. They are getting the particulate matter out of the hardest-to-reach places.

What can you do to reduce the smell of smoke?

When smoke affects you or your place of business, there are a few things you can do to help yourself and those around you as you wait for the professional fire and smoke remediation experts to arrive. If it is safe to do so (as in, smoke is not lingering outside) open the windows and place fans the close to them to suck the indoor air out. Wash soft items like clothing and toys, and wipe down larger items like sofas, tables and countertops.

Use odor absorbers like baking soda, but avoid air fresheners. The difference is, an air freshener will cover up the smell by layering a more pleasant smell over the smoke. This means you are still breathing in the smoke! An absorbent material like baking soda will trap and remove the scent, and “hold” it from being released back into the room.

Again, these are minor things to do until professional help arrives. Fire and smoke remediation are absolutely necessary for the best result, and for the health of the building’s HVAC system and everyone inside the home or place of business. While baking soda will have small effect on one room, smoke wafts everywhere and into every crevasse. It clogs the filters, it damages the air exchange, it coats surfaces and seeps deep into porous materials. Without professional fire and smoke remediation, you’ll be breathing in the smell, and the particulate, for weeks to come.

Get professional help

Wildfire danger continues to grow across America. When your home or business is affected by fire, smoke or both, don’t take chances on only DIY methods. The harm to your HVAC and lungs is not worth forgoing proper remediation. Get in touch with the experienced fire and smoke remediation experts that have the tools and training to make your space safe again.