Our Services
Fire Damage Restoration
Fire leaves behind more than charred walls. Our team handles smoke odor, soot removal, structural repairs, and full property restoration so you can rebuild with confidence.
All Fire Damage Services
Available 24/7 across Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY.
Kitchen Fire Cleanup
Rapid kitchen fire cleanup including soot, grease residue, and odor elimination.
Learn moreSmoke & Soot Damage
Deep cleaning of smoke-stained surfaces and air purification to remove lingering odors.
Learn moreCommercial Fire Damage
Full-scale commercial fire restoration to get your business back up and running fast.
Learn moreChimney Puff Back
Cleanup and restoration after chimney puff-back events — soot removal and air purification.
Learn moreFire Damage Restoration in Fairfield County, CT & Westchester County, NY
Fire damage restoration is the most complex restoration discipline we perform. A fire event produces four overlapping kinds of damage — direct fire and heat damage, smoke residue, water from suppression efforts, and chemical contamination from synthetic materials that burned — and each requires a different specialized response. The visible fire damage you see when you walk back through the building after the fire department clears the structure is rarely the most expensive part of the restoration. The smoke residue you do not initially see, embedded in framing, HVAC ductwork, drywall, contents, and upholstery, is what makes the difference between a six-week kitchen fire scope and a six-month whole-house restoration.
911 Storm is IICRC S700-certified for professional fire and smoke damage restoration across Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. S700 is the published industry standard governing post-fire mitigation, smoke residue characterization, structural cleaning chemistry, HVAC decontamination, contents handling, thermal fogging and hydroxyl deodorization, and the sequencing that determines whether the home actually smells fire-free at the end or whether the smoke residue continues recirculating every time the HVAC system runs. Our crews are also trained on Cat 2 and Cat 3 water mitigation per IICRC S500 — important because fire suppression water from sprinklers or fire department hoses is almost always Category 2 or 3 by the time mitigation begins, and the water side of a fire scope often equals or exceeds the smoke side in dollar value.
We respond to fire emergencies across all 21 Fairfield County towns and 45 Westchester County municipalities, typically within hours of the fire department releasing the structure for re-entry. Emergency board-up of breached openings, tarping of compromised roof areas, and removal of standing suppression water happens within the first 24 hours. Photo documentation for the insurance claim begins immediately. Detailed IICRC S700 smoke residue assessment determines the cleaning chemistry, demolition scope, and deodorization protocol. We bill all major fire-policy carriers directly — Chubb, AIG Private Client, PURE, State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, USAA — and coordinate the property restoration alongside any contents pack-out, business interruption documentation (for commercial), or Additional Living Expense coordination (for residential displacement).
Why Fire Damage Mitigation Matters
The most commonly underbid line item on a fire restoration scope is HVAC decontamination — and it is also the most consequential. Smoke residue travels through ductwork during the fire and continues to recirculate through it for years afterward unless the entire HVAC system (ducts, blower motor, cooling coil, filter housing) is professionally decontaminated. Without HVAC decon, the home or building smells faintly of smoke every time the heat or AC runs. This is the single most common complaint we hear from homeowners who used a low-bid restoration contractor — "the cleaning looked good, but it still smells like smoke when the heat is on." That is HVAC contamination, and the only fix is to dismantle and clean the entire system after the fact.
The second commonly underbid item is deodorization. Smoke produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that embed into porous materials — wood framing, drywall paper, insulation, upholstery, carpet — and continue off-gassing for months. Surface cleaning removes visible residue but does not address embedded VOCs. Professional deodorization options per S700 include thermal fogging (a heated deodorizing solvent fogged into the space, penetrating the same micro-cracks that smoke originally entered), hydroxyl generation (UV-based device producing hydroxyl radicals that neutralize VOCs continuously, safe to run with occupants present), or ozone treatment (powerful oxidizer, requires evacuation). The right method depends on residue type, materials affected, and occupancy. Skip this step and the smell never fully leaves.
Finally, contents handling matters. Soft goods (clothing, bedding, upholstery, drapery, plush toys) cannot be effectively cleaned in place after smoke exposure — they require professional off-site cleaning at specialty facilities using ozone chambers, wet cleaning, or dry cleaning depending on the material. Hard contents (china, electronics, framed artwork, books, documents) require specialized cleaning protocols. Documents and photographs that survived the heat can often be freeze-dried to remove smoke residue without further damage. A proper S700 scope includes itemized pack-out with photographic inventory — what gets cleaned, what is unsalvageable, what is replaced under contents coverage on your policy.
Our Process
The IICRC-Aligned Fire Damage Process
Every job documented to the published industry standard. The same framework your insurance adjuster references.
- 01
Emergency Stabilization (within 24 hours of FD clearance)
Board-up of broken windows and breached entry points. Tarping of compromised roof sections. Removal of standing fire-suppression water with truck-mounted extractors to prevent secondary water damage and mold growth. Initial photo documentation of every affected surface for the insurance claim. Safety hazard assessment — structural integrity, electrical, gas — before any crew enters the affected zones.
- 02
Smoke Residue Characterization + Assessment
S700 identifies four major smoke residue types, each requiring different cleaning chemistry: wet smoke (low-heat, smoldering, plastic/rubber — sticky, smeary, hard to remove); dry smoke (fast, high-heat, paper/wood — powdery, easier to clean but spreads widely); protein residue (kitchen fires involving food — practically invisible, extreme odor); fuel-oil soot (oil furnace puff-back). The residue type drives the cleaning chemistry, sequence, and equipment selection.
- 03
Structural Cleaning (HEPA → Chemical Sponge → Wet Cleaning)
Sequential cleaning per S700: HEPA vacuum every horizontal and vertical surface in affected rooms (removes 80%+ of loose soot before any wet chemistry, which would otherwise drive residue deeper). Chemical sponge cleaning lifts residue without spreading it. Surface-appropriate wet cleaning chemistry applied with controlled methods — different products for painted drywall, sealed wood, stained masonry, fabric. Demolition of unsalvageable materials (heavily charred framing, soot-embedded drywall, melted vinyl flooring).
- 04
HVAC Decontamination
Full duct cleaning per NADCA standard, coil cleaning, blower motor cleaning, complete filter replacement, post-cleaning test cycle to verify no residual odor migration. Coordination with HVAC service contractor for any components requiring replacement (severely contaminated cooling coils, damaged blower motors). This step is non-negotiable — without it, smoke residue recirculates indefinitely and the cleaning never "holds."
- 05
Deodorization + Contents Pack-Out + Reconstruction
Deodorization method matched to scope: thermal fogging for whole-room embedded smoke (requires evacuation), hydroxyl generation for occupied homes (slower but safe), ozone for stubborn residual (full evacuation + ventilation required). Contents pack-out: soft goods off-site to ozone chamber or wet cleaning facility, hard contents cleaned on-site or off-site as appropriate, valuable items inventoried with photographs and manifest. Reconstruction: drywall replacement where soot embedded, paint priming with sealant primers, finish paint, trim, flooring restoration.
What Causes It
Common Causes of Fire Damage in Our Service Area
What we see most often in Fairfield County and Westchester County homes.
Kitchen fires (cooking)
By far the most common residential fire cause across Fairfield and Westchester. Unattended cooking oil ignition, broiler/oven fires, microwave fires, fires from grease accumulation in range hoods. Often produces protein residue (extreme odor, invisible-to-the-eye coating on every surface) requiring specialty enzymatic cleaners and aggressive deodorization. Typical scope: $25,000-$80,000 for confined kitchen + smoke migration through HVAC to adjacent rooms.
Electrical fires
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, failed appliances. Common in older Greenwich, Westport, and Old Greenwich homes with original electrical systems that have not been updated. Can produce smoldering smoke (wet smoke residue) before flashover, leading to extensive smoke damage even when the actual fire is contained quickly by the fire department. Often triggers a full electrical service inspection and partial rewiring as part of reconstruction.
Chimney puff-back (oil furnace malfunction)
Oil-fired furnace ignition malfunction sends a back-puff of unburned fuel + soot through the chimney and into the surrounding space. Produces a very fine sooty residue that distributes throughout the home via HVAC, settling on every horizontal surface. Common in older Fairfield homes still using oil heat. Scope: $15,000-$50,000 typical, almost entirely surface cleaning + HVAC decontamination + deodorization (minimal structural damage).
Lightning strike fires
Direct lightning strike to roof or chimney causing structural fire, or indirect strike causing electrical surge and electrical fire. Common during summer thunderstorms across Fairfield + Westchester. Insurance typically covers under standard property coverage but coordination with electrical contractor for system inspection is part of the reconstruction scope.
Candle and open-flame fires
Unattended candles, fireplace embers, propane heater malfunction. Often produces localized fire damage with extensive smoke migration. Common in winter months. Coordination with chimney sweep / fireplace inspector may be part of the scope for fires originating at the hearth.
Wildfire ember intrusion (rare but rising)
Less common in the Northeast than Western states, but climate-related risk is rising for inland Fairfield (Round Hill, backcountry Greenwich, Newtown) and northern Westchester wooded areas. Ember intrusion through attic vents or window screens can ignite interior materials. Coordination with municipal fire marshal often part of post-event documentation.
First-Hour Action Plan
What to Do in the First Hour
The five steps that determine the entire claim timeline.
- 01
Wait for fire department clearance before re-entry
Do not enter the structure until the fire department explicitly clears it for re-entry. Active hot spots, structural compromise, smoldering insulation, and electrical hazards persist for hours after the visible fire is out. Listen to the fire marshal's instructions.
- 02
Photo-document from outside before entry
Photo and video the building exterior, broken windows, fire-damaged roof, fire department equipment locations, suppression water on the ground. These photos support the insurance claim. After cleared for entry, document interior damage room-by-room before any cleanup begins.
- 03
Call your insurance carrier immediately
File First Notice of Loss with your homeowner or commercial property carrier. Fire is a covered peril on virtually every standard property policy. Confirm your deductible, ALE (Additional Living Expense) coverage for displacement if the structure is uninhabitable, and contents coverage scope. Most carriers will dispatch an adjuster within 24-48 hours for major losses.
- 04
Call 911 Storm for emergency stabilization
Board-up, tarping, water removal happens in the first 24 hours. Delay risks secondary water damage and mold growth on top of the fire damage. We coordinate with the fire marshal and your insurance adjuster on the emergency stabilization scope, which is typically billed as a separate emergency line item from the eventual full restoration scope.
- 05
Do NOT attempt cleanup yourself
Smoke residue cleanup looks straightforward ("just wipe it down") but is anything but. Wet wiping wet smoke before HEPA + chemical sponging spreads and embeds the residue deeper, often making professional cleanup more expensive than if the surface had been left alone. Soft goods, contents, and electronics require specialty cleaning — DIY attempts often destroy items that would have been salvageable. The cost of a botched DIY cleanup attempt is almost always higher than professional restoration billed to insurance.
Insurance
Direct Insurance Billing
Fire is a covered peril on virtually every standard homeowner and commercial property policy. The disputes that arise on fire claims typically center on: HVAC decontamination scope (homeowner may not realize it is needed; carrier may push back on cost — both wrong, S700 explicitly requires it); contents pack-out vs. on-site cleaning decisions; thermal fogging vs. cheaper deodorization options; whether smoke-damaged contents are cleanable or unsalvageable; reconstruction matching of premium finishes (plaster walls, custom millwork, hardwood flooring with custom stain). We document the scope to S700 standards from the first walk-through, which is what gets these items approved without dispute.
Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage on residential policies pays for temporary housing, restaurant meals, pet boarding, and other displacement costs while the home is uninhabitable. Most policies cap ALE at 20-30% of dwelling coverage with no per-day or per-month limit until the cap is reached. Document every expense. For commercial properties, Business Interruption (BI) coverage replaces lost income during the closure period — we provide the underlying property restoration timeline data your BI carrier needs to calculate the payment. See our IICRC S700 fire & smoke standard explainer and our carrier-specific fire claim notes on the direct-billing wall.
Why Choose 911 Storm for Fire Damage?
- Certified fire damage specialists with 20+ years experience
- 60-minute emergency response — guaranteed
- Full insurance claim management from start to finish
- IICRC-certified equipment and techniques
- Written guarantee on all restoration work
Other Restoration Services
How Long Does Fire Damage Take?
Every job is different, but here's a realistic timeline for most fire damage projects.
Emergency Call
0 min24/7 dispatch after fire department clears the property.
Board-Up + Tarping
Day 1 (same day)Secure openings, prevent weather/water intrusion.
Soot + Smoke Cleanup
Day 2-7HEPA vac, dry/wet sponge cleaning, surface wipe-down.
Odor Removal
Day 5-14Thermal fogging, hydroxyl/ozone treatment, HVAC decon.
Reconstruction
Day 14-60+Drywall, paint, trim, cabinetry, flooring — pre-loss condition.
Timelines vary with scope, insurance adjuster response, and hidden damage discovered during work. Your detailed timeline is given after the on-site assessment.
Common Questions
Fire Damage FAQ
How fast can 911 Storm arrive after a fire?
We respond as soon as the fire department clears the structure for re-entry — usually within hours of the fire being extinguished. Emergency board-up of broken windows, tarping of compromised roof areas, and removal of standing suppression water happen within the first 24 hours. Detailed S700 assessment and full scope drafting typically completes within 48-72 hours of FD clearance. Our 24/7 emergency line is staffed to dispatch immediately on fire calls.
Will my insurance cover fire damage restoration?
Yes. Fire is a covered peril on virtually every standard homeowner and commercial property policy. Disputes typically arise around scope items (HVAC decontamination, deodorization method, contents pack-out, premium finish matching) rather than coverage itself. We document our scope to IICRC S700 standards from the first walkthrough, which is what gets these items approved by the carrier's adjuster without dispute. We are direct-billed by all major fire-policy carriers in our market.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Highly variable. Kitchen fire confined to one room with HVAC decontamination: 14-21 days. Multi-room fire with smoke migration throughout the home, contents pack-out, and reconstruction: 60-120 days. Major structural fire requiring partial rebuild: 4-12 months including reconstruction phase. Real example: our recent Stamford post-fire job (charred basement staircase, smoke damage throughout, full S700 cleanup + stair tower reconstruction) was 21 days for the cleanup phase and 18 additional days for reconstruction.
Do I have to move out during fire restoration?
Depends on scope and chosen deodorization method. Confined-area kitchen fire with hydroxyl deodorization: often you can remain in the home. Whole-home smoke contamination requiring thermal fogging or ozone treatment: yes, evacuation required for the deodorization phase (typically 24-72 hours). Major structural fire with reconstruction: extended displacement, weeks to months. ALE coverage on your homeowner policy pays for temporary housing during displacement.
Why does my home still smell like smoke after professional cleaning?
Three common reasons. (1) HVAC was not decontaminated and is recirculating embedded smoke residue through the duct system every time the heat or AC runs. (2) Only surface cleaning was performed — no thermal fogging, hydroxyl generation, or other deodorization for embedded VOCs in framing, drywall, and porous materials. (3) Drywall and framing in heavily affected areas should have been replaced rather than cleaned in place. Re-cleaning rarely fixes residual smoke smell — usually the answer is the missing deodorization step or missing demolition.
What happens to my belongings after a fire?
S700 covers contents handling as part of the scope. Hard contents (china, electronics, framed art, books) cleaned on-site or packed out to specialty cleaning facilities. Soft goods (clothing, bedding, upholstery, drapery) packed out to ozone chamber, wet cleaning, or dry cleaning facilities depending on material. Documents and photographs that survived heat can often be freeze-dried to remove smoke residue without further damage. Pack-out manifests and photo documentation are required and reimbursed under contents coverage.
Can smoke-damaged electronics be saved?
Often yes, with proper professional cleaning. Smoke residue is mildly acidic and corrodes electronic components over time if not removed. Specialty electronics cleaning facilities can clean affected items if processed within weeks of the fire. Items left contaminated for months typically suffer permanent damage. Most homeowner contents coverage pays for either professional cleaning of salvageable electronics or replacement of unsalvageable items — we document each item as part of the pack-out manifest.
How much does fire damage restoration cost?
Highly variable. Confined kitchen fire: $20,000-$60,000. Multi-room fire with smoke migration + contents pack-out: $60,000-$200,000. Major structural fire requiring partial rebuild: $200,000-$1,000,000+. Real example from our work: a Stamford basement electrical fire was $48,500 total (S700 cleanup + stair reconstruction) billed in full by Liberty Mutual. HNW Greenwich estates with premium finishes (plaster, custom hardwood) restore at 20-30% premium because matching materials and craftsmanship cost more.
Damage Doesn't Wait — Neither Do We
60-minute response. Free estimate. We handle your insurance claim.
IICRC Certified • Licensed & Insured • All Major Insurance Carriers