Kitchen Grease Fire Restoration
Stovetop or oven grease fire - usually contained quickly but soot spreads via HVAC.
Kitchen grease fires are the most common fire-mitigation call we get. The fire itself is usually extinguished within minutes by the homeowner or fire department, but the soot disperses through the entire HVAC system within hours. By the time you call us, soot is typically on every surface in the house.
First-hour checklist
- 1
Once fire is out and safe: turn OFF the HVAC system immediately. Running it spreads soot further.
- 2
Don't touch sooted surfaces - the oils transfer to skin and tools.
- 3
Don't attempt to clean walls with normal cleaners - the surfactants set the soot permanently.
- 4
Open windows for ventilation if weather permits.
- 5
Call us at 240-291-8439. We dispatch immediately for fire events.
- 6
Call your insurance carrier - fire claims need adjuster involvement.
How Catalyst handles kitchen grease fire
- Step 1
Immediate HVAC isolation
System shutdown + duct sealing prevents further spread during cleanup.
- Step 2
Air scrubbing + hydroxyl deodorization
HEPA air scrubbers + hydroxyl generators run continuously for 48-96 hours to neutralize airborne soot and odor.
- Step 3
Soot removal from surfaces
Specialized chem-sponge dry cleaning followed by surfactant cleaning. Walls, ceilings, fixtures, contents.
- Step 4
Contents pack-out + cleaning
Salvageable contents packed out to our cleaning facility for individual treatment, then returned post-reconstruction.
- Step 5
HVAC duct cleaning
Full ductwork cleaning before system goes back into service. Without this, soot recirculates indefinitely.
Fire is a standard covered peril. Smoke + soot from the fire IS covered. Carriers expect prompt mitigation - delays cause more damage and may result in coverage friction. Contents coverage typically separate from structure coverage in the policy.
All carrier-specific claim guidanceKitchen Grease Fire Restoration — FAQ
A 2-minute grease fire can produce enough soot to coat every horizontal surface in a 2,000 sf home. Soot is microscopic and disperses through HVAC + thermal currents fast. Even "minor" fires often need 2-4 weeks of professional cleanup.
Hard surfaces (granite, stainless, glass) usually clean up well. Cabinets depend on how close to the fire - face frames may need refinishing, boxes usually salvageable. Soft goods (curtains, dish towels) typically replaced.
Depends on scope. Minor grease fire with localized damage: 1-2 weeks of restoration, then habitable. Major kitchen fire requiring reconstruction: 6-12 weeks. Insurance ALE (additional living expenses) usually covers temporary housing.
Kitchen Grease Fire loss right now?
Catalyst crews stage across MD, PA, WV, and VA — call now or request emergency response.