How Does Fire Damage Restoration Work?

A house fire turns life upside‑down in minutes. One moment you’re safe at home; the next you’re standing outside watching flames consume years of memories. The smoke clears, but the questions start swirling: Where do we even begin? Rebuilding your house is more than replacing drywall — it’s the first step toward feeling like yourself again. 

In the guide below, we’ll walk you through how fire damage restoration works, so you can move forward with confidence and a clear plan.

What Is Professional Fire Damage Restoration?

Fire damage restoration is the professional process of returning a fire‑impacted structure to a clean, safe, pre‑loss condition. It involves specialized cleaning, deodorization, structural drying, air purification, and reconstruction guided by industry standards such as the IICRC S740 Standard for Professional Restoration of Fire and Smoke Damaged Personal Items.

Unlike a minor plumbing leak or a cosmetic paint job, fire recovery demands training, commercial‑grade equipment, and chemistry‑based cleaning agents that homeowners simply don’t have. From corrosive soot removal to hidden moisture left by firefighting efforts, each phase must be handled methodically to protect both the building and the health of the people who will live there.

What Does a Fire Restoration Company Do?

Walk into most fire‑damaged homes and you’ll encounter more than charred studs and smoky air. Water pools in unexpected places. Soot coats every surface — right down to light‑switch screws. Odors cling to soft goods and float invisibly in the HVAC system. 

A professional fire restoration company has specialized processes to address all of it. At BCC Restoration, we pair these technical services with superior communication: working closely with you, your insurance adjuster, and any trade partners to streamline every phase of recovery.

• Full reconstruction: Coordinating permits, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, and finish work to bring the home back to code and comfort.
• Emergency board‑up and structural stabilization: Tarping roofs, bracing walls, and securing windows to keep weather and vandals out.
• Moisture extraction and drying: Using truck‑mounted extractors, desiccant dehumidifiers, and thermal imaging cameras to track and remove the gallons of water used to put out the fire.
• Soot and smoke removal: Deploying HEPA vacuums, dry‑ice or soda blasting, chemical sponges, and alkaline cleaners to neutralize corrosive residues before they etch metal and glass.
• Air purification and odor control: Running negative‑air machines with HEPA filtration, hydroxyl generators, or ozone treatments to capture microscopic particles and eliminate persistent smells.
• Content cleaning and pack‑out: Photographing, inventorying, and treating salvageable furniture, clothing, and keepsakes at an off‑site cleaning facility.

What Are the Steps Involved in Fire Damage Restoration?

1. Initial response and assessment: A certified crew arrives, verifies that utilities are off, and looks for structural hazards. This first walk‑through sets priorities and keeps everyone safe before any work begins.
2. Secure the property: Technicians board up windows, tarp the roof, and lock vulnerable entry points. This prevents weather, animals, or vandals from adding new damage while restoration is underway.
3. Remove water and dry everything: Firefighters’ hoses leave gallons of water behind. Pumps, fans, and dehumidifiers pull moisture out of floors, walls, and framing to stop mold and warping before they start.
4. Selective demolition and debris removal: Careful removal of unsalvageable materials to expose clean framing and eliminate odor sources.
5. Clean away smoke and soot: Soot is acidic and spreads everywhere—on ceilings, inside closets, even inside HVAC ducts. Crews wipe, vacuum, and gently wash every surface to keep residues from staining or corroding your home.
6. Purify the air and eliminate odors: Lingering smoke smells aren’t just unpleasant—they can trigger breathing issues. Air scrubbers and specialized deodorizing treatments neutralize odor particles so the house smells—and feels—clean again.
7. Restore your belongings: Furniture, clothing, and keepsakes are cataloged, packed out, and treated off‑site. Items that can be saved are cleaned, deodorized, and safely stored until the structure is ready.
8. Rebuild and finish: Finally, damaged drywall, flooring, and fixtures are replaced. Paint goes on, cabinets are re‑hung, and one last quality check ensures everything meets code and your expectations before you move back in.

Can You Stay in Your Home During Fire Damage Restoration?

Sometimes, but comfort and safety come first. Minor, localized fires (e.g., a contained kitchen incident) may allow you to live in unaffected areas while sealed work zones are restored.

Moderate to major fires usually mean shutting off utilities, running loud equipment, and exposing structural elements — and you’ll likely be much happier in a hotel or a relative’s spare room.
Your restoration team will outline the work that’s needed and help you decide what’s best for your family.

How Long Does Fire Damage Restoration Take?

No two fires are alike, but typical timelines look like this:

After an on‑site assessment, BCC Restoration will provide a specific timeline so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

How Do You Choose the Best Fire Restoration Company for You?

Look for a contractor that is:

• Experienced with complex projects requiring multiple trades and tight coordination. Skilled in staged restoration, demolition, drying, and rebuild phases without delays
• Certified to handle water, fire, and mold damage
• Comfortable working directly with insurance companies to help simplify your claim (for more information, check out our article on what type of fire damage is covered by insurance companies)
• Licensed, bonded, and insured

BCC Restoration checks every box. Since 2008, we’ve helped people with fire damage restoration services in Portland OR and Vancouver WA – and our goal is to do everything it takes so you can move forward.

If you need a partner who brings technical excellence, transparency, and genuine care to every project, call BCC Restoration today. We’ll schedule a no‑obligation assessment and guide you back home.