When you need it
- The fire is out and the rescue service has released the site
- Firefighting water is still in floors, walls or insulation
- Soot is spreading to other rooms, the stairwell or neighbours
- Electronics, metal fittings or appliances are covered in soot
Why it matters
Corrosion starts early
Burning plastics such as PVC release chlorine compounds. Together with moisture they form acids that attack metal, contacts and electronics, even after the surface has been wiped.
Mould follows water
Wet porous materials at high humidity can start growing mould within days if drying is delayed.
Soot travels
Fine particles move through ventilation ducts, open doors and stairwells, turning a one-room fire into a building-wide problem.
Our procedure
Safety walk-through
Structure checked before entry. Damaged circuits are isolated by an electrician and never switched back on to "test". Gas supply closed and checked.
Protective setup
Respiratory protection for the crew and a decontamination point at the entrance, so soot is not carried out of the site.
Thermal scan
A thermal camera checks for hidden hot spots in insulation and cavities.
Stop the water
Standing water extracted, soaked absorbent materials removed, dehumidifiers and air movers started on day one.
Seal and protect
Ventilation grilles sealed so soot does not travel through ducts. Clean rooms and the stairwell protected. Broken windows and openings covered.
Corrosion first aid
Soot dry-removed from metal and electronics, electronics moved out of the soot zone, bare metal protected and humidity kept low.
Remove hazards
Food, gas bottles, chemicals and batteries taken out of the site.
Inventory
Contents photographed and listed before anything is moved or discarded.
Report the same day
Every emergency measure is documented and reported to the insurer or client the same day.
Why the first days matter
Equipment
- Thermal camera and moisture meters
- Condensing and desiccant dehumidifiers, air movers
- H-class HEPA vacuums
- Poly sheeting and tape for sealing
- P3 respirators, coveralls, nitrile gloves
What you receive
- Emergency measures report with photos
- Initial moisture readings
- Contents inventory
- Recommended next steps
Order it on its own
Questions
Should we wait for the insurer before doing anything?
Measures that prevent further damage usually should not wait. We document everything and report it the same day, so the insurer can see exactly what was done and why. Check the terms of your own policy.
Can I switch the power back on to check if things work?
No. Soot and water in sockets and appliances can cause short circuits. An electrician checks and isolates the damaged circuits first.
Should I start wiping the soot off myself?
Please don't use a wet cloth. Wet wiping smears greasy soot deep into paint and drywall, and the stains often cannot be removed afterwards.