Fire Damage: Why the First 48 Hours Matter
Quick answer
After a fire is out, soot, smoke, and water keep damaging your property. Here is what to prioritize in the first two days.
Answer: In the first 48 hours after a fire is extinguished, focus on board-up and weather protection, extraction of firefighting water, soot and smoke mitigation, and thorough documentation for insurance.
Priority checklist
- Confirm the site is cleared by fire officials
- Secure openings (board-up / tarp)
- Start water extraction from suppression efforts
- Begin soot and odour mitigation
- Inventory contents with photos
Related: Fire & smoke restoration