Post-Fire Site Assessment

Check for sagging rafters or holes burned through the decking that indicate potential imminent collapse.

Ensure exterior walls have not bowed outward from heat expansion or structural stress.

Identify breaches in the building envelope that require emergency board-up to prevent weather/vandal intrusion.

Verifying utilities are dead prevents secondary fires or shock hazards during the assessment phase.

Fire hoses introduce hundreds of gallons of water. If standing water exists, a water damage mitigation protocol must start immediately.

High heat fires usually yield dry/powdery soot. Smoldering fires (plastics/synthetics) yield wet/smeary soot requiring specialized solvent cleaners.

Ductwork often pulls soot throughout the entire home. Ensure HVAC is turned off to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected rooms.