Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration - Kitchen Fire, St. Vital

Post-fire inspection found direct fire damage limited to the kitchen ceiling, two upper cabinets, and the soffit above the range. However, smoke and soot had migrated through the entire HVAC system, depositing residue on every horizontal surface in the home. Protein fire residue (from cooking materials) was identified - this type bonds to surfaces and requires specialised dry-sponge and chemical sponge techniques rather than wet washing.

A kitchen fire in a 1990s bi-level caused moderate structural damage in the kitchen and severe smoke and soot damage throughout the entire home. The fire suppression foam used by the fire department added a third layer of contamination. The homeowner's contents - furniture, clothing, and personal items - were spread across all floors and needed assessment, cleaning, and storage during the restoration.

Contents pack-out and inventory of all items. Structural drying of fire-suppression moisture. HVAC system decontamination and duct cleaning. Dry-sponge and chemical cleaning of all smoke-affected surfaces throughout the home. Ozone and hydroxyl treatment for odour elimination. Kitchen structural repair. Contents cleaning and pack-back.

Contents pack-out was completed on day 1, with every item photographed, inventoried, and catalogued for the insurance adjuster. Our drying team extracted suppression water and began structural drying while the cleaning crew started at the top of the home and worked down - ceiling to floor, room by room. Protein smoke residue required three cleaning passes in most areas. The HVAC system was fully decontaminated and duct-cleaned before any heating or cooling was restored. Kitchen structural repair including new drywall, insulation, and cabinets was completed after all smoke remediation was cleared.

The home was returned to pre-loss condition in 28 days. Post-cleaning odour testing confirmed elimination of smoke odour to below detectable levels. All but 12 items from the contents inventory were successfully cleaned and returned - those 12 were assessed as non-restorable and included in the insurance claim. The homeowner received a full settlement.

Protein fire smoke is frequently underestimated by homeowners and even some adjusters because it is not always visible. Treating it as wet smoke leads to smearing and permanent damage. Early identification of smoke type determines the entire cleaning protocol.

Services Performed

• Contents Pack-Out & Inventory
• Structural Drying
• HVAC Decontamination & Duct Cleaning
• Protein Smoke Surface Cleaning
• Ozone & Hydroxyl Odour Treatment
• Kitchen Structural Repair
• Contents Cleaning & Pack-Back

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