Fire at Apartment Complex Causes Soot and Smoke Damage

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

When we have a job in which there was a fire at an apartment complex, the soot, smoke and water damage usually extends well beyond the area in which the fire originated. 

In situations where there are multiple units in a structure, the shared walls, hallways and ventilation system allow for the smoke and soot to spread quickly. Soot is comprised of miniscule carbon particles which are created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (such as the wood, oil, coal, and more). Containing acids, chemicals and dust, soot leaves a sticky mess as well as a nasty odor behind when it travels through the air. Breathing in soot, or even if it enters a person’s body through their eyes, can cause serious health effects. While we are working in homes and apartments that have been layered with soot, it’s often necessary for those living there to vacate the premises until it is clean. 

While smoke damage is usually not evident by sight, it can be a difficult beast to remove. Along with polluting the air, smoke can be absorbed into both hard and soft furnishings and structural components, such as walls, carpeting and furniture Typically, mattresses and carpeting need to be removed and discarded. Because smoke makes its way into cracks and crevices, part of our restoration process includes cleaning behind the walls.

One thing thing that doesn't always come to mind when people think about a home fire is the water damage that will occur. Apartment complexes in Connecticut all have sprinkler systems, which work wonders to keep tenants safe. However, when one apartment has a fire, the sprinkler system will trigger and soak the whole floor or building. Often, the water damage clean up is more extensive than the damage caused by the fire. 

With proper ventilation, air filtration, the removal of debris and the neutralization of odors, our crew helps you get back into your apartment as quickly as possible.