Board-up, water extraction from the firefight, soot and smoke cleanup, rebuild - a local crew runs the whole sequence and documents it for one insurance claim.
Free call · 24/7 · no obligation
Fire damage is really three losses at once - the burn, the smoke, and the water used to put the fire out. Handling them separately means three contractors arguing over one claim; a restoration crew runs the whole sequence and documents each phase for your insurer.
Speed matters more than people expect. Soot is acidic and keeps etching metal and finishes for days after the fire, and firefighting water becomes its own loss if drying waits. Board-up comes first - your policy expects the property secured.
Board-up comes first - and your policy expects it. Crews are on call now.
FAQs
Depends on smoke spread and structural safety - the crew tells you straight after inspection. If you can't, most policies pay for temporary housing (loss-of-use coverage); ask your adjuster.
Typically yes. Fire is a core homeowner's peril, and coverage usually includes smoke damage, water from firefighting, board-up, and rebuilding, subject to your limits and deductible - check your declarations page for those. Ask the contractor about documentation and coordination with your adjuster.
It's best to wait on soot cleanup. Wiping soot the wrong way can drive it deeper, and moving debris before photos may reduce what your claim can show. Waiting on cleanup doesn't mean delaying safe steps to prevent further damage, like board-up or tarping once it's safe. Photograph first.