Fire & Smoke Damage
Restoration
After the fire department leaves, the real work begins. Doan Restoration handles every phase — from emergency board-up and smoke removal to complete structural rebuild — so you can focus on your family.
Why Fire Damage Restoration Can't Wait
A house fire is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. But the damage doesn't stop when the flames go out. Smoke, soot, and acidic residues continue corroding surfaces, discoloring walls, and embedding odors deep into materials for days and weeks after the fire.
Within hours, soot begins etching into metal fixtures, glass, and countertops permanently. Smoke residue penetrates porous materials like drywall, fabric, and wood, causing yellowing and persistent odor that worsens over time. The water used to extinguish the fire introduces its own damage — saturating framing, insulation, and flooring.
Doan Restoration responds immediately to fire-damaged properties in Columbus. We secure your home, prevent further damage, and begin the restoration process the same day — giving you a clear path forward.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Process
From emergency response through complete rebuild, we manage every step so you only deal with one company.
Emergency Board-Up & Securing
We secure your property immediately — boarding up windows, tarping the roof, and preventing further damage from weather, animals, or unauthorized entry.
Damage Assessment
Our team conducts a thorough inspection to determine the full scope of fire, smoke, soot, and water damage. We develop a detailed restoration plan and work with your insurance adjuster.
Water Extraction & Drying
Fire suppression often causes significant water damage. We extract all standing water and dry the structure using commercial dehumidifiers and air movers.
Smoke & Soot Removal
Using specialized cleaning techniques — dry sponges, chemical sponges, and wet cleaning — we remove smoke and soot from every surface including walls, ceilings, and HVAC systems.
Content Cleaning & Restoration
Salvageable belongings are inventoried, packed out, and cleaned using ultrasonic cleaning, ozone treatment, and other specialized methods. We restore what we can and document what we can't.
Structural Rebuild
From replacing drywall, flooring, and cabinetry to full structural reconstruction — we rebuild your home to its pre-fire condition. One company, start to finish.
Types of Fire & Smoke Damage We Handle
Structural Fire Damage
Compromised framing, roof damage, collapsed walls, and foundation stress from intense heat. We assess structural integrity and rebuild to code.
Smoke & Soot Damage
Wet smoke, dry smoke, protein residue, and fuel oil soot each require different cleaning approaches. Our technicians are trained to identify and treat each type correctly.
Water Damage from Firefighting
Fire hoses and sprinkler systems flood properties with thousands of gallons. This water must be extracted and the structure dried before rebuild begins.
Odor Contamination
Smoke odor penetrates deep into porous materials. We use thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators, and ozone treatments to eliminate odors at the molecular level — not just mask them.
HVAC Contamination
Smoke and soot travel through ductwork, contaminating your entire HVAC system. We clean and sanitize all ductwork, filters, and components.
Content Damage
Clothing, electronics, documents, furniture, and personal items affected by fire, smoke, or water. We inventory, clean, and restore salvageable items and document losses for insurance.
After a Fire: What to Do & What to Avoid
check Do This
- 1. Wait for the fire department to confirm the structure is safe to enter
- 2. Call Doan Restoration at (614) 673-6985 for immediate board-up and restoration
- 3. Contact your insurance company and start a claim
- 4. Document all visible damage with photos and video
- 5. Keep all receipts for temporary housing, meals, and clothing
close Avoid This
- 1. Don't enter the building until the fire department clears it
- 2. Don't turn on HVAC systems — this spreads soot through ductwork
- 3. Don't attempt to clean soot yourself — improper cleaning causes permanent staining
- 4. Don't throw away damaged items before the adjuster documents them
- 5. Don't eat any food that was exposed to smoke, heat, or fire suppression chemicals
Fire Damage Restoration FAQ
How soon should I start fire damage restoration?
Immediately. Smoke and soot begin causing permanent damage within hours. The sooner restoration begins, the more of your property and belongings can be saved. We respond 24/7 and can begin work the same day.
Does homeowner's insurance cover fire damage?
Yes — fire damage is covered by virtually all homeowner's insurance policies. Coverage typically includes structural repair, content replacement, and temporary living expenses. We work directly with your insurer and handle all documentation.
Can smoke damage be removed from walls and ceilings?
In most cases, yes. Our technicians use specialized cleaning agents and techniques matched to the specific type of smoke residue. In severe cases, surfaces may need to be sealed with a shellac-based primer before repainting.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Minor fire damage may take 1–2 weeks. Moderate damage with structural repairs typically takes 4–8 weeks. Major fires requiring full reconstruction can take several months. We provide a detailed timeline during our initial assessment.
Will my home smell like smoke permanently?
No. We use professional-grade deodorization methods including thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators, and ozone treatment that destroy smoke odor molecules — not just mask them. We guarantee complete odor elimination.
Do I need to move out during fire restoration?
It depends on the severity. For significant damage, temporary relocation is usually necessary. Your insurance policy likely covers Additional Living Expenses (ALE) including hotels, meals, and other costs. We help coordinate this with your adjuster.
Fire Damage Restoration Across Columbus
Doan Restoration provides emergency fire and smoke damage restoration to homes and businesses throughout the greater Columbus area.
Fire Damage? We'll Restore Your Home.
From emergency board-up to complete rebuild — one call handles everything. We bill your insurance directly.