Homeowner guides
Guides to fire damage restoration and recovery
Most people have never dealt with a house fire before. These guides answer the questions that come up first, with safe steps you can take yourself and clear signs of when to call a professional.
Every guide lists its sources. Nothing here replaces an on-site assessment.
All guides
GuideIs it safe to stay after a fire?
How to decide whether you can stay in the house after a fire: structure, utilities, smoke residue, water and who is most vulnerable.
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Smoke odor that won't go away
Why smoke smell returns after cleaning, where it usually hides, and how to track down the source.
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Soot on walls and ceilings
What black soot on walls and ceilings means, how to remove it without smearing, and when it points to a hidden problem.
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What to do after a house fire
The first hours and days after a fire in Dallas, in order: safety, utilities, insurance, securing the house and starting cleanup.
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Working with your insurance adjuster
How a fire insurance claim works, what the adjuster needs, how to document damage and belongings, and how to keep the claim moving.
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How written
How these fire recovery guides are written
Each guide starts with a short, direct answer, then explains the details: what is happening, what you can safely check, what a restoration contractor will do and when to call. Facts about safety, health and insurance are drawn from sources such as the U.S. Fire Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NFPA and the IICRC, and every guide lists its sources at the end.
Start with what to do after a house fire if the fire just happened. If you are deciding whether to stay at home, read is it safe to stay after a fire. For lingering smell, see smoke odor that won't go away; for black marks, see soot on walls and ceilings; and for the claim, see working with your insurance adjuster. Short answers to the most common questions are collected on the fire damage FAQ. None of these guides discuss what a job will run; ask the contractor about anything specific to your job.
When a guide reaches the point where professional work is needed, it links to the matching service page, which explains that work in detail. If your question is about your own neighborhood, the area pages describe how local housing changes the job.
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Talk to a restorer instead
A quick call puts your questions to a Dallas restoration contractor directly.