Post-Fire Smoke Remediation
Smoke and soot residue throughout home after fire is extinguished.
After the fire department leaves, the smoke contamination is the main remediation scope for any room beyond the immediate fire zone. Smoke particles are microscopic and bond to surfaces; standard cleaning makes the staining permanent. Specialized protocol required.
First-hour checklist
- 1
Don't turn HVAC back on - it spreads smoke further.
- 2
Don't try to wipe walls or ceilings - improper cleaning sets the staining permanently.
- 3
Open windows for ventilation if weather permits.
- 4
Photograph everything before cleanup begins.
- 5
Call us at 240-291-8439.
How Catalyst handles post-fire smoke
- Step 1
HVAC isolation + ductwork sealing
Prevents further spread.
- Step 2
Air scrubbing 24-72 hours
HEPA scrubbers + hydroxyl generators to neutralize airborne particulate and odor.
- Step 3
Surface cleaning
Dry chem-sponge cleaning followed by surfactant cleaning. Order matters - reverse order sets the soot.
- Step 4
Contents pack-out
Salvageable contents to our cleaning facility for individual treatment.
- Step 5
HVAC duct cleaning before re-use
Without this, soot recirculates indefinitely.
Smoke + soot from a covered fire are part of the same fire claim. Documentation and prompt mitigation are key.
All carrier-specific claim guidancePost-Fire Smoke Remediation — FAQ
Painting over unremediated smoke seals it temporarily. The odor returns in weeks-months as the residue offgasses through the paint. Proper remediation comes first, then primer (typically odor-blocking) then paint.
Most likely: HVAC ductwork wasn't cleaned and the system is recirculating residue. Or: porous materials (fabrics, carpet, wood) still hold residue and need additional treatment.
Post-Fire Smoke loss right now?
Catalyst crews stage across MD, PA, WV, and VA — call now or request emergency response.