How to clean up after fire damage
After a fire speak to your insurer or housing authority/landlord. They should be able to arrange a professional fire damage cleaning company with specialist equipment for pumping out water and drying the area. They can also arrange for technicians to safely clean the property and recover documents and valuables for you.
When you return to the property
If you do need to return to the property before it’s been professionally cleaned, it’s essential to take extra care. Fire debris, smoke, and soot residues can all contain harmful toxic chemicals. Exposure to these chemicals may cause short or long-term health issues. Water from firefighting or a flood can also contain contaminants and there could be broken glass or sharp objects amongst the fire debris.
Working with your insurer
You’ll need to complete a claim form and your insurer may wish to inspect your home (or business premises) before anything is moved, cleaned up or thrown away.
Take photos of all areas and items that have been damaged to help you make your insurance claim.
Ventilation
Check that the property has been well ventilated to ensure hazardous gases and particulates have dissipated. Anyone with health problems such as allergies, breathing difficulties or asthma should keep away from the property until the air quality has returned to normal.
Protective clothing
Following a fire, surfaces may be contaminated. When cleaning surfaces wear appropriate protective clothing:
- Respiratory protection such as a P3 dust mask
- Nitrile gloves
- A paper suit to protect clothing.
These can be bought in local hardware stores or online retailers.
If you handle or wash smoke or soot-stained clothes it’s still important to wear protective clothing including rubber gloves and run the washing machine through a rinse cycle afterwards.
Food and medicines
Don’t be tempted to keep contaminated food or medicines.
- Throw out any damaged or contaminated food
- Return medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal
- If your pet has contaminated medicine you can return that to your vet
Replacing your alarms
Check for damage to smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms – if they’re not working or you have any doubts, replace them.
Rubbish removal companies
If you’re using a rubbish-removal company to clear items, ask to see their waste carriers’ licence. If you’re unsure you can check their details on the Environment Agency website.
Return to main ‘After we leave’ page