Fire Damage Management

You should call for professional fire damage restoration as soon as possible after the fire is extinguished and authorities have deemed it safe to re-enter. The first 24-48 hours are critical, as soot and smoke damage becomes more difficult to remediate over time. Swift's emergency response team is available 24/7 and can be on-site within two hours to begin mitigation efforts that will prevent secondary damage from developing.

Even small fires can create unsafe conditions throughout your entire home. Smoke and soot contain toxic particles that can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. Additionally, fire may have compromised electrical systems or structural elements. We strongly recommend having a professional assessment before staying in your home after any fire, regardless of size. Swift can perform this assessment quickly and advise on whether temporary accommodation is necessary during the restoration process.

Many items that appear severely damaged can often be restored with our specialized cleaning techniques. Hard surfaces like metal, glass, and some plastics typically clean well. Soft goods such as clothing, bedding, and curtains may be salvageable depending on the extent of damage. Electronics, photographs, and documents require specialized restoration approaches. Swift conducts a thorough inventory of your belongings and provides a detailed assessment of what can be restored versus what needs replacement, always prioritizing restoration when possible to preserve your valued possessions.

The timeline for complete restoration varies significantly depending on the extent of the damage, the size of the property, and the specific materials affected. Small, contained fires might require only 1-2 weeks for full restoration, while larger or more severe fires could take several months, especially if structural repairs are needed. Swift provides a detailed timeline estimate after the initial assessment and keeps you updated throughout the process. We work efficiently to minimize disruption while ensuring thorough restoration of your property.

Swift uses a multi-faceted approach to eliminate smoke odors. We employ HEPA air filtration to remove airborne particles, thermal fogging that penetrates materials with neutralizing agents, ozone or hydroxyl treatments that break down odor molecules at the source, and specialized cleaning agents for all affected surfaces. For severe cases, we may remove and replace materials that have absorbed significant smoke. Our comprehensive approach ensures that odors are truly eliminated rather than just masked, resulting in a genuinely fresh and clean environment.

Property security is a top priority following a fire. Swift's emergency response includes board-up services for damaged windows, doors, and walls, as well as roof tarping if needed. We install temporary fencing when appropriate and may arrange for security personnel for high-value properties. We also remove safety hazards like fallen debris and ensure utilities are properly shut off if they pose risks. These measures protect your property from weather damage, unauthorized entry, and further deterioration while the restoration process is underway.