What Happens After a Fire? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Fire Damage Restoration
At HTS Restoration, we understand how overwhelming fire damage can feel. Whether it’s smoke stains on your walls, the smell of soot in the air, or water from firefighting efforts, you’re not alone — and help is just a call away.
We’ve built this guide to walk you through the entire fire restoration process, from emergency response to rebuild, so you know exactly what to expect.
🛠️ Step 1: Emergency Response & Safety First
When disaster strikes, our team arrives fast to secure your property. We:
- Board up broken windows and doors
- Tarp damaged roofs
- Check for hazards like gas leaks and unstable structures
- Begin documenting everything for insurance purposes
👉 Why it matters: The sooner we respond, the more damage we can prevent.
🔍 Step 2: Inspection, Testing & Planning
Next, we perform a full inspection to find all hidden damage. This includes:
- Surface testing for smoke, soot, and chemical residue
- Pilot cleaning to determine the right method for your home
- Checking the attic, HVAC, insulation, and structure
- Looking for mold, asbestos, or lead (if needed)
We’ll create a clear restoration plan and walk you through every step.
💧 Step 3: Water Removal & Drying
Most people don’t realize fires often leave behind a lot of water from firefighting. We:
- Extract water immediately
- Set up air movers and industrial dehumidifiers
- Use moisture meters to make sure everything dries thoroughly
This prevents mold and future structural damage.
🚧 Step 4: Removing Damaged Materials
Our crews carefully remove any charred or contaminated materials:
- Burned drywall, floors, cabinets, and insulation
- Unsalvageable furniture or belongings
- All debris is safely disposed of
We contain the area to control dust and odors throughout the process.
🧼 Step 5: Smoke & Soot Cleaning
This is where we bring your home back to life. We:
- Deep-clean every surface with specialized tools
- Use HEPA vacuums, chemical sponges, and eco-safe agents
- Clean your HVAC system and replace filters if needed
No surface goes untouched — even air vents and hidden spaces are addressed.
🌬️ Step 6: Odor Removal
We use the best in the business:
- Hydroxyl generators for safe odor control (even while you’re home)
- Ozone machines and fogging for heavy smoke smells
- Air scrubbers that run 24/7 to purify indoor air
We don’t mask odors — we eliminate them.
📦 Step 7: Contents Cleaning & Restoration
If you have salvageable personal belongings, we:
- Inventory and pack out items with care
- Use ultrasonic or dry cleaning to restore them
- Store your items securely until they’re ready to come home
If something’s a total loss, we’ll help document it for your claim.
🦠 Step 8: Mold Remediation (If Needed)
If water damage caused mold, we handle it too:
- Containment zones
- Mold removal and antimicrobial treatment
- Optional 3rd-party clearance testing
Your health and safety come first.
🏗️ Step 9: Rebuilding & Repairs
Now comes the transformation. We handle:
- Framing, drywall, insulation, plumbing, HVAC
- Cabinets, flooring, paint — whatever was lost
- A full clean and prep for move-in
It’s not just about rebuilding a structure — it’s about restoring your peace of mind.
✅ Step 10: Final Walkthrough & Insurance Help
Before we finish:
- We walk the property with you for a final inspection
- Help with paperwork, insurance supplements, and deductible questions
- Ensure you’re completely satisfied before we close the file
💬 Still Have Questions?
Call us or message us anytime. We’re not just here to fix your home — we’re here to support your family.
Why Choose HTS Restoration?
✔ Fast, compassionate response
✔ IICRC-Certified technicians
✔ Insurance expertise
✔ Trusted across Texas & Florida
✔ We treat your home like it’s our own
